Out There Monthly December 08

MONTHLY

I N LA

THE INLAND NORTHWEST GUIDE TO OUTDOOR RECREATION

// DEC 2008

HOLIDAY GEAR GIFT GUIDE

// VOL. 5, NO. 5

DECE N D N W M BE R O UTD OOR C A LE ND ( P G.0

0)

AR

Stretch your dollar with the Gear Junkie’S BeSt Gear of the year!

PAGE/ 00

CROSS COUNTRY CLUB NATIONALS HIT TOWN PAGE/ 00

EVERYDAY CYCLIST: CAN’T MISS GEAR GIFTS PAGE/ 00

NORDIC SKIING ON MT. SPOKANE PAGE/ 00

ECONOMIC STIMULUS FOR LOCAL TRAILS? PAGE/ 00

HOW TO CALCULATE YOUR CARBON FOOTPRINT

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Out There Monthly

/ DECEMBeR 2008

in this issue p.5 / From the Editor “Shovel-Ready” Trail Stimulus

10

13

p.6 / Out There News Report From the Ski Swaps, Cross County Club Championships, Omega

12

Pacific Cancer Benefit, Banff Book Winners

p.11 / Everyday Cyclist Great Commuter Gifts

By John Speare

MONTHLY

p.12 / OTM INTERVIEW Filmmaker and Backcountry Skier Greg Hill

By Jon Snyder

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

Jon Snyder jon@outtheremonthly.com

p.13 / Roadtrips Nordic Skiing on Mt. Spokane

By Jordy Byrd

p.14 / Holiday gear gift guide The Gear Junkie’s Best Gear of the Year

By Stephen Regenold

p.17 / Health & Fitness 12 Days of Healthy Living

By Dr. Bob Lutz

Art Director

Kaitlin Snyder kaitlin@outtheremonthly.com Health & Fitness Editor

Dr. Bob Lutz senior writer

Derrick Knowles

Contributing Writers:

Bradley Bleck, Jordy Byrd, Mira Copeland, Angie Dierdorff, Ashley Graham, Bob Husak, Jon Jonckers, Erika Prins, Stan Miller, Stephen RegenoldJuliet Sinisterra, John Speare Distribution Coordinator

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

Jon Snyder: 509 / 534 / 3347

p.18 / Sustainable Living Calculate Your Environmental Footprint

By Juliet Sinisterra

p.20 / What’s Your Gear?

Jesse Lewis: Ski Racing

By Mira Copeland

p.21 / MUSIC Reviews & Upcoming shows Ten Mile Tide, Beyonce, Stereolab

p.22 / Book Reviews Bike Maintenance, Green Home Primer, and Wild Places

Out There Monthly

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

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

The views expressed in this magazine reflect those of the writers and advertisers and not necessarily Snyderco DBA/Out There Monthly.

Disclaimer: Many of the activities depicted in this magazine carry a significant risk of personal injury or death. Rock climbing, river rafting, snow sports, kayaking, cycling, canoeing and backcountry activities are inherently dangerous. The owners and contributors to Out There Monthly do not recommend that anyone participate in these activities unless they are experts or seek qualified professional instruction and/or guidance, and are knowledgeable about the risks, and are personally willing to assume all responsibility associated with those risks.

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

Proud member of

p.23 / DECEMBER INLAND NW OUTDOOR CAlendar & Six Month Training Calendar p.26 / The Last Page Cross Country Skiing Circa 1975

On the cover: Ski santa. // illustration brian sendelbach. Inset photo: 2007 cross country championships: Women’s open. // Photo Matthew Behrensmeyer of Warren County CVB

By Jon Jonckers

DECEMBER 2008

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TOP BRANDS

LAYAWAYS WELCOME

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/ DECEMBeR 2008

Entire Inventory of Kids Bikes on Sale for Christmas

FROM THE EDITOR: “Shovel-Ready” trail Stimulus “Shovel–ready” is my favorite new catch phrase. The term is meant to denote a project that is ready to put bodies to work the instant funds are released, no further planning necessary. Smart municipalities are constantly updating and cataloguing their transportation projects to meet the shovel-ready criteria and that’s why any economic stimulus package that goes through will have a big transportation component meant to create jobs immediately.

If you love active transportation (walking and biking) this is an incredible opportunity. Across the country, communities are promoting active transportation like never before and there is good chance many shovel-ready active transportation projects

could be funded by an economic stimulus package.

The Spokane Regional Transportation Council has identified five local projects that are shovel ready: 1) The Fish Lake Trail, 2) 5-Mile Prairie Bike Lanes, 3) Ben Burr East Central Trail Extension, 4) Iron Bridge, and 5) Downtown Spokane Bicycle Improvements which includes lanes and parking. All of these could probably be done for the cost of a few days worth of concrete on the North-South Freeway, Spokane County’s current number one transportation priority.

The fact that the SRTC has such an excellent list of bike/ped projects ready to go is an astounding turnaround from 18 months ago when the organization almost didn’t send a representitive to the National

Rails-To-Trails Conference—one of the biggest bike/ ped gatherings in the country—when it happened in our own backyard, Portland, Oregon. Clearly active transportation is becoming a higher priority here.

But funding is far from a done deal. There are three stimulus proposals that could affect Spokane: a possible state stimulus, a possible federal lame-duck bill this month, and an almost certain federal stimulus when the new administration takes office in 2009.

Jeff Sele, Manager of Government affairs at SRTC, calls it “A perfect storm of transportation funding.”

But he also warns that the criteria for funding is far from certain. Now is the time to contact your municipalities and tell them you want active transportation projects funded, specifically Mark Richards

and Todd Meilke, the County Commissioners who sit on the SRTC board. It wouldn’t hurt to contact Greater Spokane Incorporated as well, as they have one of the biggest lobbying operations on behalf of Spokane. If we could get these projects done now and get SmartRoutes 2010 funding our bike/ped infrastructure could leapfrog cities like Boulder, Colorado.

I like to think big.

-----------------------------------------------------JON SNYDER, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF editor@outtheremonthly.com

Spokane Alpine Haus

Midnight Sale • Infant Care • Child Development • Acute Care • Adolescent Medicine • ADHD/ Behavioral Health

Have the right gear for this season.

Don’t forget Flu Shots!

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• 10-30% off the entire store • One day only • All new equipment • Best ski and board prices until February Friday Dec. 5 10pm-1am

(Sale limited to stock on hand.

No layaways.)

South 2925 Regal • Spokane (509) 534-4554 • www.spokanealpinehaus.com

DECEMBER 2008

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Don’t hang that bike up yet...The holidays are coming!

Spin Bikes and indoor trainers

in stock

FREE

Drivetrain Clean*

with $55 Full Service - ‘til Feb 28, 2009 *Must present coupon to receive Drivetrain special

The best place to keep your riding fire stoked for the winter!

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

relax

pamper

escape

January 10-11, 2009

Spokane Community College Lair

Treat Yourself to a Buffet of Spa Treatments

anti-aging * massage * spas * facials * laser treatments * airbrush tan manicures * stress management * nutrition * weight management paraffin treatments * detox foot baths * hair removal * skin care * makeovers Bring this ad for FREE admission for mom* with paid daughter over 18 (*mother in law, step mom, aunt, godmother....)

Saturday 10-7 * Sunday 11-5 $5 Sample Spa Treaments Admission $7

$2 off admisssion with a donation of a non-perishable food or a hygiene item to the YWCA Domestic Violence Women’s Safe Shelter

www.healthbeautyshow.com Exhibit Space Available (509) 218-6519

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Out There Monthly

/ DECEMBeR 2008

news chunks In January a wide variety of stakeholders and concerned citizens will come together for the 2009 Spokane River Forum Conference. The event will take place January 22 - 23, 2009 at the Centerplace Regional Event Center 2426 N. Discovery Place in Spokane Valley. The conference is expected to address a wide range of issues and topics. Water quality will be discussed in relation to waste water treatment, toxic chemicals, heavy metals, sediment contamination, fish Consumption, human health, phosphorus, and DO & PCB TMDLs. Water quantity will be addressed in relation to instream flows, dam operations, water withdrawal, water use demands, water rights and adjudication, and of course conservation.

Other topics include recreation, collaboration and community. Some of the participating organizations include Spokane Parks and Recreation, Inland Empire Fly Fishing Club, City of Spokane, Lake Spokane Protection Association, Spokane Tribe of Indians, Friends of the Falls, The Lands Council, Idaho Department of Water Resources, Inland Empire Paper, City of Post Falls. Cost for the 2 day conference is $75, includes breakfast & lunch each day. It is open to the public. Group rates and scholarship information is available.

Spokane River Forum can be contacted at (509) 535-7084, info@spokaneriver.net, or at their website www.spokaneriver.net.

The Bonner County Human Rights Task Force and Pend Oreille Arts Council have again joined forces to present The Art of Human Rights, the second annual young artists’ exhibition of human rights-themed art and literature that will serve to broaden knowledge about human rights through aesthetic and emotional channels. The opening exhibit will take place on Wednesday, 10 December 2008—Human Rights Day!—at 5:30 pm at the Pend Oreille Arts Council Gallery located in the Power House Building in Sandpoint, Idaho. Admission is free, the community is encouraged to attend this noteworthy celebration. Refreshments will be served, and musical interludes will be presented by the Sandpoint Middle School choir.

The Lookout Pass Free Ski School celebrates its 69th season! Started in 1940, this nationally recognized program is offered to kids and teens ages 6 thru 17 years and has provided skiing and snowboarding skills to well over 40,000 participants. The sessions are held every Saturday beginning January 10 thru March 14, 2009. Lessons begin at 10:00 am. Each youngster must supply their own skis or snowboard. Rental equipment is available.

No lift ticket is required during the lesson sessions. Lookout Ski pioneers Dr. Fitzgerald, Art Audett, Walt and Merle Frank, and many others had the vision to provide a life-long skills development program for area youth.

A River Lost, A River Found: An evening presentation featuring historic images of the lower Snake River is coming to the Magic Lantern Theater, 25 W Main Avenue on Tuesday, December 2nd, 2008, 7 pm, Spokane, WA. An evening presentation featuring historic images of the free-flowing lower Snake River

will be hosted by the Save Our Wild Salmon Coalition (SOS). Taken between 1905 and 1970, the photos document the culture and dramatic landscape of the lower Snake River canyons before being flooded by four dams. These photos provide a reminder of what was lost and what we can have once again if the lower Snake River is restored to free flowing status.

The presentation coincides with the launch of SOS’s Working Snake River Project.

The project puts into action the coalition’s commitment to supporting solutions to the current salmon crisis that work for fishermen, farmers, coastal towns and Inland Northwest agricultural communities. Combining the removal of four outdated, costly dams with investments in modernized rail, clean energy and economic development, SOS asserts that the lower Snake River would enjoy numerous economic and quality of life benefits.

Help Protect The Northern Rocky Mountain Gray Wolf: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recently announced its 2nd attempt at delisting the gray wolf in the northern Rocky Mountains.

The first attempt was quickly reversed in July by a federal judge, but not before state management programs led to the killing of over 100 wolves. The geographical area at issue with this proposal includes Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, and parts of Washington, Oregon, and Utah . A wolf pack (2 adults and 6 pups) was discovered near Twisp, Washington in July 2008. Please join The Lands Council in commenting against this second attempt at delisting the gray wolf, and in favor of the continued protection of the northern Rocky Mountain population of grey wolves by maintaining their federal listing until they truly are recovered.

December 6th, 9:00-3:00 The Friends of Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge will be having their annual Winterfest. This all-day, by-donation event features tours to see elk on the Refuge, a presentation by a local raptor rehab and education program, a chili feed and live music. Come see the Refuge and its inhabitants in the winter season. You might even bring your snowshoes! At the time of this writing, there are still spots on the elk tour; contact us at 235-4531 or looeezoleary@netscape.net to sign up for a space.

Firewalk: A workshop hosted by Twin Eagles Wilderness School will be held Friday December 5 at 7pm and Sunday December 7 at 12 noon in Sandpoint, Idaho. Step through fears and limitations to manifest your highest potential. Firewalking has its origin in pre-history.

In many countries the ancients firewalked in powerful rituals of renewal. It has always been practiced in the context of physical, emotional, or spiritual healing. Today the firewalk has captivated hundreds of thousands worldwide as a tool of personal empowerment and much more... For cost, more information and registration, call Twin Eagles Wilderness School at (208) 265-3685. Due to limited enrollment, pre-registration is required. Led by sundoor certified firewalk instructor Jay Markett: www.

Sundoor.com. //

Services • Athletic Training

• Sports Performance Program

• Occupational Therapy

• Massage Therapy

• Hand Therapy • Physical Therapy • Sports Medicine

» » » » »

On-site chair Pre/post natal Orthopedic/sports medicine Lymphatic drainage Stress management

Give the gift of massage therapy.

There’s nothing better for the active person!

Call (509) 838-2531, Ext. 2010, to purchase a gift certificate or schedule a training/massage session.

Four convenient locations:

PhysiCal TheraPy & MediCal FiTness

DOWNTOWN / 505 e. Third avenue, spokane, Wa 99202 / (509) 838-2531, ext. 2010 VALLEY / 15412 e. sprague avenue, spokane Valley , Wa 99216 / (509) 838-2531, ext. 2000 NORTH / 605 e. holland avenue, spokane, Wa 99218 / (509) 838-2531, ext. 2090 CHENEY / 1727 1st street, Cheney, Wa 99004 / (509) 838-2531, ext. 5605 www.rockwoodclinic.com

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Friday, December 19 thru Saturday, January 3 December 24, 11am-5pm | December 25, 1pm-9pm

O P E N T H RO U G H M A R C H 2ND HEATED INDOOR SEATING

SKATE RENTAL AVAILABLE

509.625.6601 | spokaneriverfrontpark.com

Additional Attractions Also Open: IMAX, SkyRide, Carrousel, Mini-Golf DECEMBER 2008

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Cool Gi fts, OUT THERE NEWS Toys an d More Ski Swaps Hang tough

Fall Events do solid business despite weak economy

You can help out with our Holiday Karma Project See our website for details.

Proceeds benefit ECEAP www.mainstreetyogaspokane.com

509-869-0817 20 W. Main, Spokane

Mt. Spokane Ski Patrol ski swap // Photo courtesy of patrick stimpson.

Time B omb 711 N.

Mon (509) 326 roe, Spokane -6949 Vin

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

12PM-6P

M Tues-S

at

GET READY FOR SKI SEASON Have a Hoppy Holiday with our Winter Ale

• Physical Therapy • Adult Personal Training • Youth Sports Training

Ski/Snowboard Conditioning Class $75 per month AM/PM classes available

Watch the Zags on our big screen.

Northern Lights Brewing Co. and Pub 1003 E. Trent Ave. Spokane WA, (509) 242-2739 8

Out There Monthly

/ DECEMBeR 2008

More info: 458-7686 www.udistrictpt.com 730 N. Hamilton

Last year ski swaps in the region saw anomalous success. The Schweitzer Alpine Racing School (SARS) Ski Swap had an estimated 30% increase in sales. Swaps at Mount Spokane and 49 Degrees North also set earning records.

In this year’s teetering economy, event organizers were not sure what to expect. “We weren’t sure what was going to happen with the economy as it is,” said Kristin Whitaker, marketing manager for Mount Spokane Ski and Snowboard Park.

SARS Program Director Roger Taggart predicted lower sales due to the struggling economy. He was pleasantly surprised by a steady turnout. High-quality used gear at the swaps is more affordable than new products in stores, he said. Skiers and snowboarders worried about the economy may be especially interested in finding equipment at a discount this year.

49 Degrees North swap co-chair Denny Burt was pleased with what he called an “exceptionally strong and profitable swap” that brought in an average amount of sales.

SARS Ski Swap coordinator Jim Jopson says

turnout is affected by several factors, not just the economy. “[Shoppers are] influenced pretty heavily by current [weather] conditions.” Last year snow began falling in Sandpoint the day before the swap, which got people excited about hitting the slopes.

The amount of merchandise available also affects a swap’s success, he says.

The Mount Spokane Ski Patrol Ski Swap saw record earnings, even topping last year’s boom.

Whitaker attributes the success of the Mount Spokane Swap to its reputation as “a place where buyers can get quality used and new stuff—but plenty of new stuff—cheap.” Vendors put their used winter merchandise on sale at the swaps for a small per-item fee. Swap-goers can also find past-season “new” gear from local shops at slashed prices.

Whitaker says she bought an unused $750 pair of skis for $250 last year.

Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho ski swaps took place the first two weekends of November. Proceeds from the 49 Degrees North, Mount Spokane and Silver Mountain Swaps go to local ski patrols. The SARS Ski Swap benefits the Schweitzer Alpine Racing School. //

Banff book festival winners How did your favorite outdoor book do?

The 15th annual Banff Mountain Book Festival, wrapped up its 15th year on Friday November 6th. Though lesser known than the Banff Mountain Film Festival, the gathering of world-renowned adventure writers and photographers make the Book Festival as exciting as the Film Festival.

During the evening program on Thursday, November 5th, the winners of the seven awards for the 2008 Banff Mountain Book Festival were announced. In an unusual twist, the 2008 Grand Prize was shared by two books, Sid Marty’s The Black Grizzly of Whiskey Creek (reviewed in OTM in September) and Robert Macfarlane’s The Wild Places (reviewed in this month’s OTM). Marty’s book was also feted as the best book on the Canadian Rockies. The prize for best book in the Mountain Literature category went to Nick Heil’s

Dark Summit (reviewed in OTM in June). The award for best book in the Adventure Travel category went to Mark Jenkins’ collection of essays, A Man’s Life. The Mountain History award went to Pulitzer Prize nominee Fallen Giants (reviewed in OTM in October) by Maurice Isserman and Stewart Weaver. Rounding out the major categories, the Mountain Exposition (read guidebook) award went to Chris Craggs & Thorbjorn Enevold‘s Lofton Rock and the Mountain Image award was presented to French photographer Marlo Colonel’s Mont Blanc.

In spite of exciting programs in both the book and film elements of the Festival, the 2008 attendance was off noticeably. Several long-time supporters have cut back their level of participation in the Festivals. The overall poor world economy and high travel costs appear to be the problem. //

Happy Holidays!

Celebrate w/incredible closeout deals on 2008 products.

Best prices of the season on 2009 models.

90 DAYS SAME AS CASH to help you through the new year.

"Spokane needs another _______ like it needs a ____ in the ____!

Thanks for all your support in 2008.

Hayden: 9521 N. Gov’t. Way Fall/Winte urs (208)-76-CYCLE (762-9253) Tuesday-Fridayr11hoam -5:30 turday 10am-5pm Post Falls: 306 N. Spokane St.: clospmed, Sa , Sundays and Mon da ys (208) 457-VIEW (457-8439)

NEW location: 1908 Northwest Blvd. (next to Alton's) 327-0720 South Hill: 30th & Grand 747-6041 DECEMBER 2008

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OUT THERE NEWS National Club XC Championships in Spokane Local Runners compete against the nation’s best

Men’s open at the 2007 XC championships. // Photo Matthew Behrensmeyer of Warren County CVB.

Fresh Abundance

Local Organic Raw Milk – Local Safe Grass-Fed Beef – Local OrganicallyFed Pork Fresh Local Organic Chickens and Eggs TM

“Bringing LOCAL Food to LOCAL People”TM

Visit our Division St. Store 2015 N. Division (across from Mt. Gear) Community Roots Winter Market December 14, 11 AM to 4 PM At the N. Division Store We are a BUY LOCAL venue that celebrates the farmers, musicians, crafts people.

www.freshabundance.com South Hill Valley 1001 W. 25th Ave. 3324 S. Best Rd. 10

Out There Monthly

/ DECEMBeR 2008

Spokane is a running community, and the nation knows it. On December 13th the Spokane Regional Sports Commission (SRSC) will welcome the nation’s top distance runners for the USA Track & Field National Club Cross Country Championships to Plantes Ferry Sports Complex (12308 E. Upriver Drive). Over 40 clubs, approximately 1,000 runners, from across the USA will race for a national title. Registration deadline is Dec. 12th.

“People constantly ask us why a national championship cross country race in December. The answer is simple; a great course, generally mild weather, and a well-executed event,” says Eric Sawyer, Executive Director of the SRSC. The USATF Nat’l Club Cross Country Championships include the Men’s Open (10K), Men’s Masters (10K), Women’s Open (6K), and Women’s Masters (6K) races. A Community Race (6K) will be held on the same course for all ages before competition begins.

Several Spokane athletes are contending. Local clubs such as the Spokane Swifts (Women’s Open) and Emde Sports (Men’s Open & Men’s Masters), formed this fall, are ready to compete.

Spokane native Janet Collar recognized the opportunity to showcase regional talent. “The

idea for the Spokane Swifts started after seeing the very poor turn-out of local Spokane runners at the USATF Masters Track & Field National Championships. I encouraged (friends) to inform other runners interested (in competing) to respond. We have a total of 17 women on the team,” explains Collar.

Interested in competing?

To race for a national title please visit www.usatf. org for rules, fees, and registration. The entry fee for the Championships is $30 per athlete by Dec. 5th. Late fees do apply. Registration deadline is Dec. 12th at the Mirabeau Park Hotel (1100 N. Sullivan Rd., Spokane Valley) at athlete registration/packet-pickup from 9:00am – 9:00pm.

For the Community Race contact marlae@spokanesports.org. The fee is $10 and deadline date is Dec. 12th. Contact the SRSC at 509.456.5812 or www.spokanesports.org for more information. // Schedule of Events December 13, 2008 9:30 a.m. Community 6 km 10:30 Masters Women’s 6 km 11:30 Masters Men’s 10 km 12:45 p.m.Open Women’s 6 km 1:30 Open Men’s 10 km

OMEGA PACIFIC supports HERA foundation Climbing gear manufacturer Omega Pacific introduces the Telos keylock quickdraw that’s helping the HERA Foundation put an end to ovarian cancer. The word telos is Greek for “purpose” or “goal,” and $2 from each sale of the new Telos keylock quickdraw goes to HERA. Omega is matching the $1 donated from every consumer purchase to the nonprofit, which raises funds for ovarian cancer research. Engraved with “Climb4Life” on the bent gate and HERA on the straight gate, the quickdraw is teal blue, the official color of ovarian cancer awareness. The Telos retails for $20.75 and is available at www.omegapac.com and authorized Omega Pacific dealers.

According the National Cancer Institute (NCI), ovarian cancer occurs in one in 72 women. In 2008, it is estimated that 21,650 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Currently, there is no reliable method of early detection, such as the

mammogram for breast cancer. Funding scientific research is therefore vital in decreasing the number of lives lost. The NCI reports that 67 percent of cases are diagnosed after the cancer has already metastasized, when the five-year survival rate is only 30.6 percent.

“We’re in this business because we believe that given the proper tools, it’s possible for people who are driven and focused to achieve greatness in the outdoors,” explains Michael Lane, Omega Pacific’s sales and marketing director. “Now we’re taking that same philosophy and applying it to a much broader setting, a global women’s health issue.

Aligning with HERA allows us to extend the impact we have beyond the climbing community, and that’s a plus for Omega.”

More info: www.omegapac.com www.herafoundation.org.

http://cyclingspokane.blogspot.com

Everyday cyclist BIKE COMMUTER GIFT LIST

the best gear for city riding // By John Speare

THe NiteRider minewt & the planet bike superflash. //

rides his bike everywhere. Check out his blog at

December 13, 2008 USATF National XC Club Finals www.runnersoul.com

more info at

Spokane's only running specialty store.

221 N. Wall St. 509.624.7654

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December 13, 2008 Jingle Bell Run /Walk

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once you get it mounted you can ziptie the light to the bracket to make sure it stays put. It’s inevitable that when you pick up this little dinky light, you’ll turn it on to see how bright it really is, and you will get blinded when it blinks. Buy a couple: one for the bike and one for clothing or a back pack.

NiteRider MiNewt Mini-USB front light The MiNewt Mini is another amazing feat of technological wizardry. The late great alpha bike nerd of all time, Sheldon Brown, often remarked that the greatest technical strides in the cycling industry in the 20th century was in the development of LED bike lighting. The MiNewt Mini proves this claim. The light comes in just under $100. It runs for 3 hours. It throws a huge, but focused, bright beam. It takes four-and-a-half hours to recharge. It can recharge in a normal wall outlet, or you can plug it into your USB port on your computer. And the whole package—light and battery pack—fits in the palm of your hand.

Genius!

Mobile tool kit essentials While there’s not really a best-in-class product here, I’m amazed at how many daily cyclists ride without a basic tool kit. I think this tool kit would make a great gift for any cyclist that doesn’t carry a kit.

I’m not a fan of multi-tools. They are difficult to use, have a bunch of stuff you don’t need, and they really don’t save any bulk or weight. I think you can also build up a tool kit cheaper by buying just the tools you need.

I have a small tool kit tucked under the saddle on each of my bikes: • Hex wrench set: 2 mm-8 mm • Open-end wrench: 8 mm/10 mm • Spoke wrench • Chain tool (Park CT-5) • Fiberfix emergency spoke • 2 links of chain • 1 Pedros tire lever • Spare tube • Patch kit Different bikes may require some other specialty tools, but this kit is a good starter for any daily cyclist.

I also carry a frame pump on my bike. A frame pump is a long pump that fits under the length of the top tube on your bike. I prefer frame pumps to mini pumps because they fill a tire much quicker and are just generally less fussy to use. //

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Until I started commuting by bike, I was a recreational mountain biker. When I decided to commute to work about 7 years ago, I was totally clueless about the essential gear that makes commuting and practical cycling much easier. This short list of cycling stuff is the gift guide that I wished I would’ve read 7 years ago.

Had I known then what I know now about the basics, I would’ve saved a bunch of money and frustration.

Most of the components and gear on this list are what I consider the “best in class.” You can buy cheaper or different versions of this stuff, but I’ve learned that doing so is really a false savings over the long run. This gear is suited to touring, commuting, and other practical-cycling endeavors.

If you have cyclists like this on your holiday list, you’ll be scoring big points if you pick up any of this stuff for them.

The LBS Gift Certificate First things first. If none of the stuff in this column is interesting to you or if you’re doing the last minute thing: go to your local bike shop and get a gift certificate. It’s not as satisfying as seeing your cyclist open the perfect bike gift, but an LBS gift certificate is a slam dunk gift for any cyclist.

Ortlieb Panniers Panniers are the bags that attach to racks on a bike. The attributes you want in good panniers: waterproof, repairable, durable. It’s also important to have a well-designed attachment system so that you can pop the panniers off the bike in a flash and put them back on quickly. The attachment system should also keep the panniers on the rack, even over the roughest, bumpiest, dirt (or Spokane) roads. I don’t know of any other pannier that nails all of these criteria like Ortlieb panniers.

Tubus Fly rear rack “Tubus” is the manufacturer; “Fly” is the model.

Tubus makes a bunch of racks; they are all lightweight tubular steel and they are all super wellmade and durable. But the Fly is the best suited for daily driving. It’s light, simple, and is rated to 44 pounds. The Fly assumes you are using panniers, so if your cyclist uses a pack that is designed to sit on top of the rack, then you should go with a Tubus Cargo, which is rated for 90 pounds and looks it. The Fly on the other hand, is simple and I think, elegant.

Planet Bike Superflash rear light The Superflash is just an insanely bright rear blinky red light. I have spent a mint on rear lights over the years, so for $30, the Superflash is a great deal. The mounting hardware could be better, but

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DECEMBER 2008

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Out There Monthly

11

OUT THERE interview

the Backcountry ski life

Filmmaker/Skier Greg Hill Juggles Family & Powder // By Jon Snyder Greg hill at work. // Photo AAron chance.

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Out There Monthly

/ DECEMBeR 2008

Greg Hill’s short film on backcountry skiing, “The Unbearable Lightness of Skiing” was included in this year’s Banff Mountain Film Festival. We caught up with the Revelstoke, B.C. native and interviewed him by cell phone in mid-November.

He was at 6000 feet, skiing in the mountains when we spoke to him and reported the snow was warm and coastal. Maybe that’s why he stopped to talk to us!

What do you have to do when touring to accommodate filmmaking?

It used to be that because I had so much extra energy I would do a couple laps to burn up some time and get a good run in for myself. But I realized that’s a little selfish and maybe I could use my energy for filming by running around getting creative angles on what we were doing. Using my fitness to capture what we do, while not slowing what we do.

How many people are with you when you do a shoot?

I wouldn’t really consider it a shoot, it’s just what we do on a day-to-day basis. We are not setting these scenes up. They just unfold, with three or four of my ski-touring buddies. I would like to not force the scenes. This is backcountry and this is how we do and why we do it. It’s just backcountry as it is in its true form.

Is this film helping you transition to being more of a full-time PRO skier?

I won’t lie to you. There is definitely a move to get more sponsors behind me so that I can keep doing what I do and somehow get paid for it.

There’s no shame in that.

I would be quite happy if I could support my habit and then share this amazing habit with everybody.

How long have you been seriously backcountry touring?

This is my tenth year of really going for it. 19992000 was the first year I got my skins and started really getting up there. In my early twenties I got into rock climbing and loved the physical challenge of it. But I popped my shoulder out and I thought “well, now what do I do?” I ended up finding just as many challenges and rewards in backcountry skiing as I had in rock climbing. It was an easy transition.

Do you ski much outside your home base in Western Canada?

Because I’m a family man with two kids and a wife I try to do most of my adventures near home. Luckily Revelstoke is surrounded by more adventure than I could knock off in a lifetime. It’s limitless. I have travelled to Alaska and Europe, but I like to come home and see my kids after an amazing day.

Give some advice to our outdoor dads

on how to continue with adventures and still be with your family?

That’s a tough one. It’s a very fine balance.

You need to do what you can to keep it balanced like get up at 4 and be back by 10. You need to keep strong on both fronts because family is very important and more rewarding in the end than mountain travels. If the mountains make you who you are than your kids will respect you for going out there.

Kids definitely change your perception of risk.

You want to make sure you make appropriate decisions and get back to your kids so they can be inspired by what you do.

Have you ever had any close calls skiing?

Yeah. Probably. I’ve never been buried or anything like that but the mountains do have their dangerous aspects and there have been some close calls, but I try to pay as much attention as I can to avoid those.

Are you talking mostly about avalanches?

Yes, but there are cliffs and crevasses too.

What would you say to folks who see the film and would like to try backcountry skiing?

Be wary, and recognize that it is a dangerous world and that you should get as much knowledge as you can. Knowledge is what is going to keep you alive out here. I highly suggest taking a course or skiing with people who know a lot about it and pay attention as much as you can.

What’s your off-season like?

I’m a forestry worker so I plant trees and do tree-related jobs to maintain my lifestyle.

If someone were to come up to Revelstoke and do backcountry touring, where is a good place for them to go?

Right now I am at Roger’s Pass which is a backcountry Mecca around here. It has an access road that will take you to 4500 feet with access to all sots of terrain.

What is your biggest SKIING accomplishment?

A few years ago I tried to do as many 10,000 foot days in a season as I could. That was one of the hardest challenges I have ever undertaken. I would aim to climb 10,000 feet in each outing. I did eighty days like that in one year a couple years ago. That feels like the pinnacle of what I’ve done.

What’s your secret?

The biggest thing is believing in what you are trying to achieve. I have a firm belief in the goals I have set for myself. If you go up believing instead of going up doubting, belief will probably take you to the top. I had a mantra; breathe and believe. //

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road trips Make tracks on Mt. Spokane

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Nordic Skiing at the Popular State Park Keeps Improving // By Jordy Byrd Spokane Mountaineer Club, teach everything from basic instruction, to advanced technique.

For more information about The Spokane Nordic Ski Education Foundation, including membership registration, visit http://www.spokanenordic. org/.

Participants in nordic kids program at mt. spokane. // Photo George Momany, the Spokane Nordic Ski foundation.

At last the time has come for winter recreation; and in Spokane, there are plenty of venues to choose from. But before dusting off your Alpine skis or sleds, why not try Nordic skiing (Cross County) at Mt. Spokane?

Located 25 miles northeast of Spokane, the park maintains 13,919 acres within the Selkirk Mountains. A Civilian Conservation Corps development project help turn the area into the first state park east of the Cascades.

The summit reaches an elevation of 5,889 feet with breathtaking views across several states and into Canada. Throughout winter, the park receives an average of 300 inches of snow. Winter recreation includes Nordic skiing, Alpine skiing, snowboarding, dog sledding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and tubing.

Nordic Skiing Unique to Mt. Spokane, the Nordic ski area is a destination location for skiers across several states and into Canada, according to George Momany, president of The Spokane Nordic Ski Education Foundation. In fact, Mt. Spokane is the second largest groomed Nordic ski area in Washington.

Until recently, the mountain offered 25 kilometers of trails. As of last year, the organization raised $17,000 and with help and cooperation from the Inland Empire Paper Company, now hosts more than 40 kilometers of trails.

The State Park and Nordic Ski Foundation are responsible for trail grooming which starts at the end of November and generally stops at the end of March. This year with funding from a new grant, grooming will continue into April as conditions permit. Winter hours are 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., however, night skiing trails remain unlit. For more information and the Snow Report call (509) 2384025.

Although Nordic skiing doesn’t require a ticket, a Sno-Park Permit must be purchased November 1 through May 1. “One pass can take a car load of people, and are good for the entire season,” Momany says. Passes are available at Fitness Fanatics, REI Outfitters, Mountain Gear, Bear Creek Lodge and the Mt. Spokane Ranger

Station.

Spokane Nordic Ski Education Foundation The Spokane Nordic Ski Education Foundation was founded in 1999. Their main goal is to expand Nordic skiing and promote ski related activities in

“Nordic skiing is truly a life long sport because it’s medium impact.

Everyone from the very young to the very old can enjoy it.” the Inland Northwest through education, Momany says.

The foundation supports skiers of all ages and skill levels including “children who can barely walk, active racers, to senior citizens,” Momany says. “Nordic skiing is a life-long sport because it’s medium impact,” he said. “Everyone from the very young to the very old can enjoy it.”

Foundation activities include the Nordic Kids Program for kids ages 4-18. Momany says Nordic skiing is a kid-friendly sport that works well with families. Sessions in January and February teach children and their parents proper techniques and the enjoyment of Nordic skiing, he said.

Adult clinics, including joint ventures with the

Tips for skiing Rental equipment is available at Fitness Fanatics, REI Outfitters and Mountain Gear. Often overlooked by drivers, the road to the Nordic ski area leads to Selkirk Lodge, a heated lodge with picnic tables and trail maps. “This is the perfect place to rest and eat lunch before or after a day out on the trails,” Momany says. Tips from Momany: • Don’t dress for Alpine skiing. You’ll be too warm. Rather, dress in layers as you would for a brisk walk in the cold.

• Leave dogs and sleds at home, as no other activities (including walking) are allowed on trails.

• Bring extra food, water and a friend for the day.

• When using unfamiliar trails, have a map and follow the signs along the way and most importantly, be aware of the distance you plan to travel and what you’re capable of.

For beginning skiers, Momany recommends taking Valley View Trail, south of Selkirk Lodge.

This is a level, gently curved trail with wonderful views of Spokane Valley. Once you reach Junction One, take Sam’s Swoop Trail to Junction Two, and then Lodge Pole Trail to the Nova Hut. “This is a great place to take a break for first time skiers,” Momany says. From there you can either take Lodge Pole, Sam’s or Blue Jay and then Mountain View trail for the way back to Selkirk Lodge.

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WHEN YOU GO // From Spokane drive north on U.S. Highway 2 to State Route 206 (Mt. Spokane Park Drive). Follow Highway 206 for 15 miles to the park entrance just past Bear Creek Lodge.The Nordic ski area is another 3 1/2 miles past the entrance. The Sno-Park parking lot and Selkirk Lodge skit hut is located on the right, after driving through the snowmobile parking lot. Visit the Selkirk Lodge for a complete map of trails.

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Mt. Spokane Ski and Snowboard Park If Nordic skiing isn’t your style, visit Mt. Spokane Ski and Snowboard Park. The non-profit organization is operated by skiers and riders, for skiers and riders. The park pledges that “your dollars go right back into your mountain.” With five chair lifts and 45 designated runs, the mountain is perfect for enjoying local winter recreation. For more information about the park, including ticket prices call the lodge at (509) 238-2220 or visit, http://www.mtspokane.com/lifttickets.php.

Whether you’re flying down powered hillsides at the Alpine park or gliding through groomed trails in the Nordic park, watch for bears, bobcats, moose, eagles, hawks and more. Most of all “bring some friends up to enjoy the mountain, its trails and have some fun,” Momany says. //

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13 Out There Monthly 11/19/08 4:09:56 PM

HOLIDAY GEARGIFT GUIDE

Stretch your dollar with the Gear Junkie’s Best Gear of the Year!

By Stephen Regenold

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

Forget video games. Don’t even think about a fruit basket. This year get your family and friends gear they can use on the snow, in the woods or anywhere else outside and under the blue sky. // Cool outdoor gear will excite and motivate even the most lethargic loved one. Maybe a new hydration pack will inspire your buddy to make the jump from treadmill to trail running. A good shell jacket will make wintertime exercise more comfortable for your spouse. Lure a techy kid outside with a GPS wristwatch. // Here are 17 outdoor-oriented gift suggestions. Pick your gifts wisely. The skis, backpacks, camp stoves, multi-tools and headlamps you give are gateways to adventure. Lifestyle changes may result.

PolarPak MOFLOW: Attempting a new concept in hydration, the MOFLOW from PolarPak shoots water from its valve via air-pump pressure. Made to take the “suck” out of the hose-hydration equation, the MOFLOW comes with a small air pump that attaches to the tip of the hose. Once inflated, water squirts from the valve when a user bites down, allowing for a quick drink. The pump attaches via a quick-release coupler that seals off pressure. Internal baffles prevent water from sloshing when on the go, and the bladder, which

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------giro filter sunglasses

has 70 ounces of fluid capacity, provides a constant flow when pumped up. www.polarpak. com / $31.95

-----------------------------------------------------Lippi USA Selk Sleep Wear System: Winter campers rejoice, the world finally has a sleeping bag that you can wear. Lippi USA’s Selk Sleep Wear System was made for comfort, warmth and mobility, allowing wearers to walk around camp, prepare food, and use a restroom -- all possible without ever stepping outside of the cozy cocoon. You can lie down to sleep wherever you choose, in a tent or under the stars, though a pad is recommended. Constructed with polyester or duck down insulation and a nylon face fabric, the bag’s foot areas are reinforced with thick nylon tested not to tear even when walking on rocks. For the style conscious, the Selk bags will come in multiple colors, including green, brown, black, red, yellow, white and blue. $149 to $349 /

www.lippioutdoor.com --------polarpak moflow.

---------

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Out There Monthly

/ DECEMBeR 2008

-----------------------------------------------------Giro Filter Sunglasses: Giro Sport Design markets itself as an emerging

carried in a pocket while outdoors or on the go.

You tear them open and squeeze out the contents to eat just like an athletic gel. But unlike the formulations found in a common sports gel, Justin’s Nut Butter foregoes sodium benzoate, histidine, ornithine alpha-ketaglutarate and other lab-engi--------justin’s nut butter ---------

neered enhancers. Indeed, the full ingredient list for Justin’s Classic Peanut Butter Squeeze Pack includes just two items: dry-roasted peanuts and organic palm fruit oil. Though the fat content is high -- up to 17 grams a serving -- the PB packs produce an energy boost with 190 calories, seven grams of carbohydrates, and seven grams of protein -- similar to the nutritional specs seen in mass market athletic gels. $1 per pack / www.

justinsnutbutter.com

------------------------------------------------------Princeton Tec Swerve: Want to guarantee your loved one will be seen almost 100 percent of the time from behind on

brand in the sport-eyewear category. Indeed, the Filter sunglasses show some optical innovation from a brand most often associated with helmets for road biking. The company’s latest model, the Filter, has a feature to let wearers switch lenses in seconds via a small cam lever. Built primarily for cyclists, the Filter’s goal is to speed lens transition and help riders avoid scratches and fingerprints. $159 to $219, depending on lens configuration. www.giro.com

-----------------------------------------------------Ibex Wool Sports Bra: Utter the words “wool sports bra” in an outdoors or fitness shop 10 years back and you might have been thrown out the door. But wool today from companies like Ibex Outdoor Clothing is silky and soft. It wicks sweat, doesn’t stink even after much use, and is less harmful than most synthetics on the environment. Thus, Ibex has designed the Balance Sports Bra, a top made of fine merino wool plus a hint of nylon and Spandex for stretch.

It is made to fit A, B and C cups during mediumto low-impact activities like skiing, paddling, hiking and biking. The Balance Sports Bra is machine-washable and sewn without seams to eliminate rub. $49 / www.ibexwear.com ------------------------------------------------------Justin’s Nut Butter: From mountain climbs to cross-country ski races, peanut butter has fueled athletes for years.

Justin’s Nut Butter Squeeze Packs are made to be

--------lippi usa selk sleep wear system ---------

lens type. The glasses arrive at your door in seven to 10 business days. $250 / www.REI.com ------------------------------------------------------Rite in the Rain: In the 1920s, a man named Jerry Darling was hired by a Pacific Northwest logging company to create paper made for the outdoors. The result was a waxy, water-eschewing page that

for park rangers or would-be rescuers when they see the Buddy-Board on your vehicle’s dashboard. $17.97 / www.buddy-board.com

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ibex wool sports bra

a bike at night? The Swerve, a new blinker that clips on a messenger bag or mounts under a bike’s saddle, employs a pair of half-watt LEDs to dance and flash while pedaling after dark. To operate, a toggle switch turns the unit off and on and shuffles through its two visibility modes. The company says diffused and focused lenses send wide and narrow beams of light that are easier for

------------------------------------------------------SPOT Satellite Messenger: The SPOT satellite messenger is a first for outdoors users: The GPS-based locator beacon blips text-message data and latitude/longitude coordinates to emergency services, friends and family.

What makes it special is that it can be employed in emergency situations and for non-emergencies alike. As the company puts it, the device offers “a vital line of communication, independent of cellular coverage.” If you’re lost or stranded in the woods -- and your cell phone does not work -- this device can send a 911 message. Or, in a non-emergency, the SPOT delivers an “I’m OK” message to the email accounts and cell phones of chosen friends or family members.

The device has just four buttons and sends three types of messages. In addition to the “OK” and “911” signals, SPOT can transmit an “I-needassistance” message to your same group of family and friends. In all modes, SPOT sends message data plus GPS coordinates. At home, your GPS data -- and the pinpoint locations from which you transmitted a signal -- are viewable on a computer screen via the Google Maps program, which SPOT integrates with its easy-to-use web site. $150 plus a $100 annual service fee / www.findmespot.com

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------buddy-board

------------------------------------------------------REI’s Rx in a Box: Smith Optics and REI have partnered to introduce a concept called “Rx in a Box,” which provides an in-store option for customers shopping

--------rite in the rain notebook ---------

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------spot satellite messenger

for corrective-lens sunglasses. The two-step process involves: 1) Customers purchase the Rx in a Box kit to find a one-time-use, ATM-like card containing a purchase code; 2) The purchaser visits the Smith Optics web site to enter information

are $6.95 and up / www.riteintherain.com

people in cars to see from a distance. It mounts to seat posts via included rubber bungees or sticks on jersey pockets and bike bags via a plastic clip.

The required two AAA batteries will last about 70 hours in this light, according to company specs. $29.99 / www.princetontec.com

------------------------------------------------------Buddy-Board: “Is your life worth 30 seconds?” That’s the question posed by Buddy-Board LLC on the packaging of its namesake product, a 5 x 8-inch dry-erase board made for recording information about a backcountry excursion. In the case of an emergency, pre-printed fields on the plastic board for your name, age, contact information, and intended trip itinerary provide quick information

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------rx in a box

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------princeton tec swerve

could stand up to the elements, though still took ink like a dry sheet of loose leaf. Today, the J.L. Darling Corporation sells its line of Rite in the Rain “all-weather writing paper” to the general public, with notebooks, bound journals and plain paper. Coated with an acrylic-based formula, Rite in the Rain paper has a slightly tacky feel to it.

But pages in a Rite in the Rain notebook do not cling together, and ink or pencil lead easily transfers written word to page. Put the paper under a faucet and water runs right off. The ink doesn’t smudge, and the paper stays strong. Notebooks

from the card and the specifics of their prescription to order the custom shades. The program was created to simplify the process of ordering corrective lenses, eliminating the need to visit an optometrist. To order lenses, a buyer needs his or her current eye prescription corrective-lens numbers, including pupil distances. From there, go online to pick a Smith Optics frame style and

------------------------------------------------------La Sportiva Ultranord: Each year deep snow and icy trails confound runners, sending untold thousands indoors to surrender to gyms and treadmills, staring at American Idol on a screen instead of the pristine winter woods or the path around a lake. But winterized running shoes like La Sportiva’s Ultranord GTX-XCR -- a warm and waterproof trail runner that comes with gaiters -- make staying outside to jog less of a worry. The shoes are warm enough for training on 10-degree days, but they have the spring to propel a stride adequately during a nightly jog or a weekend run in the woods.

The Gore-Tex uppers repel slush, and snow stays out almost completely because of the company’s ankle-covering gaiter system. The shoes have a roomy toebox for extra warmth and an aggressive outsole for traction. They are comfortable and

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Out There Monthly

15

supportive, almost as rigid as a light hiking boot. $125 / www.sportiva.com

------------------------------------------------------Kahtoola MICROSpikes: Getting a good grip on ice and packed snow is a perpetual challenge for hikers and trail runners who brave the winter months. Kahtoola Inc., a small company in Flagstaff, Ariz., has a new solution this winter with its MICROSpikes, a footwear accoutrement that positions 10 stainless steel spikes directly down off the sole. The com-

Clif cites the mix as containing 87 percent organic ingredients, all originating from non-GMO (genetically modified organism) sources. There’s 17 grams of sugar per packet, and 190 milligrams of sodium. Fiber, some fat, potassium, and 23 grams of carbohydrates round out the formula.

--------clif shot hot electrolyte ---------

www.clifbar.com

------------------------------------------------------CamelBak Podium Bottle: The Podium Bottle is marketed as an upgrade to a technology that’s been around since the 1950s. Indeed, as the company notes, bikes, helmets, shoes and other cycling equipment get better every year. But the humble bike bottle has stayed pretty much the same for decades. “We set out to take away the bite-open, hip-slapshut sequence that riders had to perform with other bottles,” said Jon Austen, a product manager at the company. The result is a bike bottle ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------that includes several la sportive ultranord significant upgrades, pany built this category-defying product for ice, including a self-sealing squirt valve; a shut-off packed snow and wet rocks. The 3/8-inch spikes switch for leak-proof transport; and an antisit linked on a crisscrossing grid of chain, eight microbial lining to eschew the build-up of bacon the forefoot, two under the heel. A “shoe har- teria inside the bottle. The Podium’s squirt valve ness” made of stretchy rubber flexes as you step is made of medical-grade silicone, and the bottle in, then cinches tight around your foot. There are is polypropylene. It comes in two sizes, one with no buckles or straps, so they go on quick and fit 21 ounces of liquid capacity, one with 24 ounces. clean. Kahtoola sells the MICROSpikes in four $8 / www.camelbak.com iterations to fit feet from youth size 1 through ------------------------------------------------------men’s size 14. $59 / www.kahtoola.com “Bike for Life”: ------------------------------------------------------- In Bike for Life: How to Ride to 100 (Avalon Press, CLIF SHOT Hot Electrolyte: $16.95), authors Roy Wallack and Bill Katovsky Clif Bar & Company of Berkeley, Calif., has a lay out a premise that says cycling -- with its comnovel new item in its line of nutrition products: bination of fun, ease-of-use, travel, social interac-

longevity front, there’s an “anti-aging strength plan” to revive reaction time; methods for avoiding back cramping and injury while riding; and advice on cycling and its effects on osteoporosis.

Bonus: The book includes interviews with aging stars of the sport like Mike Sinyard, founder of Specialized Bikes, mountain-bike pioneer Gary Fisher, and adventure cyclist John Howard who might just be proving the authors’ premise to be true.

------------------------------------------------------The Stick: This self-massage tool made for athletes is a flexible rod stacked with one-inch-wide spindles that rotate as you rub. To use it, simply grip the handles and roll it along your calves and thighs. The effect is similar to a good leg rub-down, though no need to recruit a spouse or friend to do the dirty work.

Debuted in 1991, manufacturer RPI of Atlanta touts The Stick as something that makes “muscles feel better, work harder, last longer and recover faster.”

The company says --------------------------------------------camelback podium bottle The Stick works by --------------------------------------------compressing and stretching muscle; moving blood and fluids; and freeing circulation to allow muscles to regain “normal elasticity” before or after a workout. The Sprinter Stick model is $35 / www.thestick com

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

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------kahtoola microspikes

Hot cocoa designed for fitness fanatics. The powder mix packets, which cost $1.69 each, incorporate amino acids, antioxidants, electrolytes, protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, and green tea to hydrate the body and replenish muscles. Just add eight ounces of hot water to the powder, stir it, and you have a steaming cup ready to drink and do its stuff. The semi-sweet mix is fine for sipping after a ski or wintertime trail run. Bonus: 16

Out There Monthly

/ DECEMBeR 2008

tion, joint-gentleness, and physical challenge -- is the ideal sport for longevity. As Wallack puts it, cycling is a panacea that can help you “roll into the triple digits -- miles and age -- on a bike instead of in a wheelchair.” The book, a manual of sorts organized in digestible articles, sidebars and lists, offers how-to exercises and riding advice. (Wallack writes on health for L.A. Times; Katovsky founded Triathlete magazine.) On the

The Jimi Wallet: Small and translucent, rigid and smooth, the Jimi is “the wallet for people who hate wallets.” That’s according to Mike O’Neill, the San Francisco cyclist and entrepreneur who created this plastic money holder. O’Neill’s creation -- a slim and unobtrusive case that holds credit cards, your driver’s license and some cash -- measures 4.25 inches high by 2.6 inches wide, just slightly taller and wider than a Visa card. The case folds on

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------“Bike for life” Book -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

plastic hinges, which the company says will hold up to one million opens and closes. Inside, there is a slot for four credit cards on one half and a money clip on the other half -- the essentials and nothing more. Available in nine colors, from --------the stick ---------

clear to a deep ruby red, the Jimi costs $14.95. It is about 9/16 of an inch thick and strong enough to withstand the abuse a wallet might typically take: Sit on it and the case will not likely crack. www.thejimi.com

------------------------------------------------------Stephen Regenold writes The Gear Junkie column for several U.S. newspapers; see www.

THEGEARJUNKIE.com for video gear reviews, a daily blog, and an archive of Regenold’s work. //

--------the jimi wallet ---------

HEALTHAndFITNESS The 12 days of healthy christmas

MAKE WINTER TRAINING COUNT THIS YEAR…

gifts for yourself and others // By Dr. Bob Lutz

• Prevent Overtraining • Build a High Fat Burning Base • Maintain Race Season Body Composition • Adopt a Paleolithic Diet …TO

Dr. Bob’s 10th day of christmas is 10k steps to walk everyday. // photo Ann ede.

In keeping with the holiday spirit, I sat down to breakfast with some friends and came up with our 12 ways to have a healthy and fit 2009. Bear with me—some of these required way more creativity than I normally have readily available, and that’s what friends are for, so with a little stretch of your imagination (and maybe some holiday music in the background), I think you’ll get the idea. Enjoy.

1. Let’s start with chocolate. Buy your true love the good stuff—at least 35% cocoa. A single, or 1 serving (1.5 ounces), provides a healthy treat, packed with antioxidants. Here’s an indulgence that tastes great and is good for you as well (check out more on chocolate in October 2008 OTM).

2. Hit the gym! Resistance training is an essential element of your training program. Maintaining musculoskeletal strength and fitness increases your metabolism and is a good preventive strategy for those annoying injuries that can hinder your performance. Look to get in at least 2 sessions/ week, focusing on the major muscle groups of your core, and your upper and lower extremities.

3. Although John Speare encourages “underbiking,” I still find 3 bike styles essential—road, mountain, and commuter. Now granted, maybe you can get by with fewer bikes (or for some of us, more), but riding the Bluff on my road bike just doesn’t do it (sorry John).

4. After a hard workout, you need carbs to replenish those glycogen stores you’ve just burned.

A 4:1 ratio of carbs (40 grams) to protein (10 grams) enhances muscle recovery. So reach for a bagel with almond butter or a fruit smoothie rather than relying on a bottle of Gatorade™ to get you to your next workout.

5. Aerobic fitness is fundamental for promoting a healthy lifestyle. The American College of Sports Medicine and CDC recommend at least 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise 5 days/ week to support overall health and wellbeing (http://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/everyone/ guidelines/index.html).

6. MyPyramid (http://www.mypyramid.gov/ pyramid/index.html), the latest iteration of the USDA’s well-known Food Guide Pyramid, iden-

tifies 6 food groups that should be a part of your regular nutrition. Now granted, I have a big problem with the USDA receiving food industry funding, but the fundamentals of a balanced approach to eating can’t be argued with.

7. If 5 days of aerobic exercise are good, then maybe 7’s better? As a matter of fact, you should look to be physically active all 7 days of the week. As part of your training, adequate rest and recovery is essential, so make this “active rest” by going for a hike, a walk through one of our many parks, or an easy swim. Daily activity is good for your body, your mind and your spirit, so make it a part of your daily routine.

8. Feeling run down after a long day, long week, or long training cycle? Have you thought about how much sleep you’re getting? Good restful sleep is essential to your fitness as well as your overall health, so try to get 8 hours of sleep every night. Interestingly, it’s not unusual to wake up periodically, so your goal is to get a total number of hours, not a solid block of sleep.

9. Now maybe I’m pushing this one a bit, but I came up with (at least) 9 types of footwear for your outdoor activities—road & trail-runners, road & mountain-bike shoes, water shoes, hiking boots, climbing shoes, snow shoes and most importantly (per Amy) comfy slippers to rest your feet.

10. Pedometers have been around for a while, and lots of people find these little hip-worn step counters a great way to ensure they get enough physical activity throughout the day. The magic number has been 10k steps/day, and of course, more can’t hurt.

11. What were those “11 Lords a leaping” doing? Obviously plyometrics! If you’re not familiar, just Google it. Adding a few plyometric exercises to your workouts will allow you to power up the next hill or bridge those riders off the front.

12. Do I have to remind you that Bloomsday is only a couple of months away? It’s never too early to start your training for this 12k, so take a look at our Bloomsday training issue (March 2009) for some great tips to make Bloomsday 2009 your PR. //

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DECEMBER 2008

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Out There Monthly

17

SUSTAINABLE LIVING

CALCULATE Your ecological footprint

Two Concerned Citizens Talk About How To Do It And What They Found Out // By Juliet Sinisterra

What’s your environmental footprint? // Image courtesy of Philip Testemale, Testemale graphic arts.

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Out There Monthly

Americans love to consume. Even now, with retail sales dropping, we far surpass global averages for consumption. According to data published by the International Energy Agency in 2006, the U.S. with 5% of the world’s population consumes approximately 25% of fossil fuels or 57.8 barrel of oil equivalents (BOE) per capita, next in line is Russia with 33 BOE and China with only 9.7 BOE. Of our total national energy consumption, a staggering 67% is under our own personal direct control through daily decisions which are lived out in the cars we choose to drive, our use of alternative forms of transportation, our homes— where we choose to live, the size of our homes and how energy efficient they are, our purchasing behavior for the stuff in our homes, and the sustainability of our food choices, not just local or organic food choices but whether we eat meat and more specifically land and energy intensive beef and dairy. If we want to see big changes in our larger global environment, we need to start with how we live at home.

Ecological Footprint is a tool that can help us determine our impact on the earth. How many earths does it take to support your lifestyle?

Specifically, how much land is required to extract the resources and deal with the waste that your lifestyle produces?

Redefining Progress, a public policy think tank from the San Francisco Bay Area, first developed an Ecological Footprint quiz (www.myfootprint. org) in 2002 in partnership with EF developers, Mathis Wackernagel and William Rees. Their quiz is easy to take with variations for kids and offices. Initially Carbon Footprint was a subcategory of the EF, evaluating only home energy use and transportation, but now many self-described Carbon Footprint programs are all-encompassing similar to the original scope of EF. The numerous carbon calculators that have emerged since 2002, appear to have wide degrees of variability.

The Seattle Post-Intelligencer ran an article this past July entitled, “Want to Calculate a Carbon Footprint?” The article cited a recent study by the University of Washington to test the measurements of 10 online calculators. “In one category, the bottom line for a typical American homeowner varied by more than 32,800 pounds of carbon produced per year.”

The PI article also suggests a growing concern, that resulting individual calculations will simply be “offset” through donations to green and environmental organizations without any substantial lifestyle changes—the original objective of footprint calculations.

Here in Spokane, there is a small but growing group of individuals calculating their footprints regularly. Below, we asked two of them about their footprint and if those calculations made an impact on their lives or just made them feel a little less guilty.

/ DECEMBeR 2008

Downtown Spokane

What program do you use to calculate your EF? Why? For the past 3 years I have

used the tools of Carbon Concierge, a joint project of the Bainbridge Graduate Institute (BGI) and Social Ventures Network. I’ve used it both informationally, but also to see what impact changes in lifestyle can make in our household CO2 expenditure.

Please explain what you measure specifically? As I recall, the tool I’ve most used is the one by Nature Conservancy. I’ve also used the Wee Folks one by Islandwood. These tools typically measure households habits such as transportation, home energy usage, food consumption, recycling/waste, water usage, and driving/flying practices. On the Nature Conservancy tool last May we scored a 43 as compared to the U.S. average of 130 and a world average of 28. (We’re also living in the largest home we’ve ever been in with the fewest housemates).

How often do you calculate your EF? Annually. Typically I’ll do it at BALLE (Business Alliance for Local Living Communities) in May where BGI usually has a booth.

What are your own personal strengths and weaknesses in your EF? Any surprises? Our household scores pretty well in the areas of water/energy usage, daily commuting, shopping and consumer buying practices, and food. My travel with work and air flights to national conferences and lack of a completely organic diet are some weaknesses.

Have you made any lifestyle changes based on your EF calculations? Not really. It’s been mostly informational. Subtle changes in food purchases and a continuing goal to reduce all sorts of discretionary consumer purchases are helped by this awareness.

A huge impact that is often overlooked is that of a vegan diet. A plant-based diet requires significantly less land and energy than a diet with a high proportion of meat, seafood, and dairy. A recent study found that a person following a lowfat vegan diet needs roughly 80% less land per year to produce their food than carnivores. So moving towards a vegetarian or vegan diet can have a huge impact on your footprint score.

My idea to begin reducing this meat/dairy impact was to start two dairy goats in the spring and add them to the chickens we already have. The goal is to eliminate our dependence on the grocery store for meat and dairy. We already produce our own eggs year round, along with veggies and fruit in season. My husband wants to start growing grain as well. Self sufficiency would shrink my footprint down to a reasonable size and begin to protect groundwater, air quality, and promote more humane animal treatment.

Do you pay offsets? If so, where to?

Yes. In the past it’s only been with Native Energy.

From what I’ve heard and read of this program, I’m very pleased but I would like a combination of local and national choices.

Patrick Malone Founder, Project HOPE

SUSTAINABLE LIVING What program do you use to calculate your EF? Why? “Zerofootprint Seattle” was sent to me by a friend. I think it is important to make efforts to live the changes I envision for other people. I find in sustainability that it’s easy to advocate, but harder to change how I live.

Please explain what you measure specifically? I measure carbon dioxide equivalents for my car use, my home heating, and the effects of my action plan.

How often do you calculate your EF? I have calculated it every quarter this year.

First, I used “NativeEnergy” footprint estimate for my car. I got to it from the wecansolveit.com website. Then, I used Avista Utilities “Every Little Bit Counts.” Third, I used the Washington State Climate challenge (and will receive a suncatcher made from recycled glass in the mail). The most calculation was the “zerofootprint Seattle” calculator.

to cope with the lowered thermostat. I changed my commute schedule to an earlier shift so that I could carpool with someone I found on rideshareonline.org.

Do you pay offsets? If so, where to?

I paid offsets to “NativeEnergy” to offset my car use and to offset my airplane travel. They participate in the RGGI (Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative) carbon market in the Northeastern states. I hope to buy some offsets from Bonneville Power Administration for presents throughout the year. // Following are websites to calculate your Ecological or Carbon Footprint: Redefining Progress: www.rdprogress.org or www.myfootprint.org Zerofootprint, an international group with for profit and non-profit programs: www.zerofootrpint.net

What are your own personal Strengths and weaknesses in your EF? Any surprises? My strength is that I am starting to carpool in my commute. I also turn off my car instead of idling more than one minute. My weakness is leaving on electronic equipment and lights in my house. (I have switched to some CFL bulbs.) I was surprised how much of an impact the “vampire” electronics make. I have to change out six incandescent light bulbs to CFL bulbs in order to compensate for the “vampires.”

Have you made any lifestyle changes based on your EF calculations? I have to wear more layers of clothes because I have a lowered thermostat (down to 60 degrees F at night).

I also don’t stay up as late at night. When I did, I would turn up the thermostate and use lights and electronics, such as television and computer. I am trying to lose weight and get more conditioned so that I can bike next summer. Also, exercise helps

Carbon Conciege: a joint project of the nonprofit, Social Venture Network and Bainbridge Graduate Institute: http://www.carbonconcierge. com/ American Forests, nonprofit forest conservation organization: americanforests.org/resources/ccc CarbonCounter, from The Climate Trust, an environmental nonprofit : carboncounter.org The Conservation Fund, environmental nonprofit -- gozero.conservationfund.org/calc/calculate Environmental Protection Agency -- epa.gov/climatechange/emissions/ind_calculator.html SafeClimate, from World Resources Institute, an environmental think tank -- safeclimate.net

SUSTAINABLE LIVING CALENDAR // (Ongoing through February) The Lands Council Features Organic Art of Jillian Foster. When: Monday through Friday 9:00

a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Where: Second Floor of Saranac Building at 25 W. Main. Jillian Foster’s Collection utilizes natural materials to create interesting textural and three dimensional qualities. All artwork on display is created with organic materials. Info: (509) 209-2851, kfountain@landscouncil.org.

(December 2) A river Lost, A River Found: Historic Photos of the Lower Snake River.

When: 7:00 pm. Where: Magic Lantern Theatre; 25 W. Main Ave. A presentation of historic photos of the Snake River canyon prior to its flooding by four hydro projects between 1961 and 1974. nfo: (509) 209-260, jerry@ wildsalmon.org.

(December 5) Northwest Ecobuilding Guild/ Slow Food Spokane Holiday Dinner. When:

6 PM. Where: EcoDepot, 1326 East Sprague.

Potluck meal. Bring food to share rom your own garden or from a producer you have met.

Green Building presentation by Kelly Lerner.

Info: julietsinisterra@yahoo.com.

(December 7) Wellness Open House. When: 4-7 pm. Where: Lavender & Sage Wellness Center, 3418 S. Grand Blvd. Come enjoy free sessions at the Lavender & Sage Wellness Center Holiday Open House!!! Offering massage, acupuncture, yoga, counseling and more.

Info: (509) 747-2669.

(December 7) Alternative Gift Fair. When: 10:15-11:00am and 12:00-2:00pm. Where: Unitarian Universalist Church, 4340 W. Ft. Wright Drive. The gift fair offers shoppers a choice of holiday gifts that honor family and friends while providing financial support to a variety of local charities and non-profits, including Project HOPE and therefore Riverfront Farm. Info: (509) 325-6383.

(December 14) Community Roots Market.

When: 11 AM to 4 PM. Where:Fresh Abundance, 2015 N Division. Community Roots Winter Market December 14th from 11-4 located at 2015 North Division. We are a BUY LOCAL venue that celebrates the farmers, musicians, crafts people. Info: (509) 4355210, brightspirit@freshabundance.com. //

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Tues – Sat. 9:30 to 5.

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New and Used building materials at discount prices.

DECEMBER 2008

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Out There Monthly

19

what’s your GEAR? [SKi racing] by mira copeland Jesse Lewis

jesse lewis ready to race. // anneke lewis

Meet 14-year-old Jesse Lewis: “They call me ‘little Bode’ because I either get on the podium or fall trying to get there,” he says. “Last year I didn’t get to do much racing because in my first race I crashed and sprained my ankle, so I’m hoping this year I can get back in the loop.”

Lewis has been skiing since age seven, and ski racing for nearly as long, and for this young racer, the joy is in the speed of his events. He will

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compete in the Giant Slalom (GS), Super G, and Slalom local races this year: “My favorite is the Super G, because there’s a lot of room and you’re barely turning so you can just fly,” he says.

Every year the racers “go to Silver, Mt. Spokane, all the mountains around here, and at the end of the year there’s a Buddy Werner and each team selects the best two J5s because it’s only for J4s.”

Two years ago, Lewis was one of those J5s; last season he was benched with injuries, and this season?

“I think maybe in the last few races of the season I’ll do a little better, but it’s hard to say because I’m not sure how my competition has changed since last year.”

Lewis trains both days every weekend during the season. “When I first started I only did one weekend day, and then the next year I did two days, but if I don’t feel like it on the second day, we just freeride.” His team organizes dryland training for fall and early winter, but as a wrestler for Lakeside Middle School, “the stuff we did for wrestling was probably harder because a lot of the training the team does is for the littler kids.”

------------------------------------------------------Skis: Lewis has one pair of Line skis, length 132, twintips, for freeriding, two pairs of Atomics, his GS11 skis (length 140) from last year, and a handme-down pair (length 150) from his brother he expects to use more this year, since he’s grown, and one pair of Volkls, 142, for slalom racing.

He will also have a pair of Head skis for GS and Slalom, which his coach Jimmy ascertained for him, and he hasn’t seen yet. “Jimmy says he got

the best ones for me, so I’m really excited to see them,” he says.

How does he decide which pair to take to the hill each day? “Coach usually emails everybody if we’re doing a course, but if we’re not, I check the mountain conditions, to see what the snow is like. For powder, I usually take my Volkls because they’re a little longer.”

------------------------------------------------------Boots: Salomon. “They were custom fit for my dad, but they fit me perfectly,” he says. Before each race, he tightens his boots, “then at the end of the race I loosen them and my feet are numb, so that’s usually the first thing I do when I cross the finish line.”

------------------------------------------------------Racing Suit: “I have two, but I think I’m going to wear my new one because the old one is purple, and it’s pretty small,” he says. His new suit is by Spyder.

------------------------------------------------------Long Johns: Lewis doesn’t have a preferred type, but he’s well accustomed to being cold— “I’m usually pretty freezing when I’m done, anyway,” he says.

------------------------------------------------------Outerwear: Full zip ski pants by Karbon and his team jacket by Karbon—“It’s the only coat I wear.”

------------------------------------------------------Poles: Scott USA Series 4 poles. Good racers have two pairs of poles, Lewis explains, one for GS that are bent so you’re more aerodynamic when you’re in your tuck, and one that are straight with

pole guards for slalom. “I just put the pole guards on the bent poles and call it good.”

------------------------------------------------------Shinguards: By Scott.

------------------------------------------------------Helmet: Marker’s Cheetah model. “It’s got the face mask and everything.”

------------------------------------------------------Goggles: Creek brand. “They were my mom’s, but I forgot mine one day so she let me use them, and I was like, ‘Mom, I’m keeping these.’”

------------------------------------------------------Gloves: Marker. “They’ve got all the padding and stuff on them. I’ve got those for one day, but then they get soaked, so I have another pair from the US Ski Team that I wear on the second day.”

------------------------------------------------------Accessories: “I always have my iPod,” he says. //

Head skis Jesses will use for GS and Slalom. //

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/ DECEMBeR 2008

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MUSIC REVIEWS BY DR. OSLONORWAY released on singles and EPs, and perhaps their most effective song remains their alternately creeping and blistering cover of Screaming Lord Sutch’s “Jack the Ripper.”

After two albums’ worth of piano-driven ballads, Keane have decided to take an unexpected left turn into synth-heavy dance-rock. Of course, they missed the Killers boat by a couple years, but their strong songwriting carries them through, and the opener, “Spiraling,” is an effectively hook-heavy, retro synth-laden rocker. The second track, “The Lovers Are Losing,” sticks to more familiar ballad territory, despite some synthy production bits. If the style change comes off as a tad forced, at the very least they seem to be having a good time with it.

THE KILLERS

Ten Mile Tide

Perfect Symmetry (Island) I Am…Sasha Fierce (Columbia)

Pop’s foremost hit-making juggernaut takes a turn for the decidedly goofy with I Am…Sasha Fierce, a sort-of concept album spread out over two discs (despite containing a single disc’s worth of running time), with one half dedicated to by-thenumbers Beyonce balladry and the other filled with more “aggressive” material meant to represent the diva’s eponymous stage persona. Opener “If I Were a Boy” works best due to a heartfelt delivery of a strong song, but the “Sasha” side never disappoints from a hilarity standpoint, as Beyonce tries to sound hard with silly tracks like “Diva” and “Single Ladies Put a Ring on It.” If it’s not as embarrassing as Chris Gaines, it’s not for lack of trying.

DEERHUNTER Microcastle (Cranky)

For their third full-length, Deerhunter have opted to temper somewhat their experimental noise rock leanings and focus on the melodicism apparent in some of the material on their last album, Cryptograms. In several cases, as on “Strange Lights,” the band has done away with its usual jerky dance rhythms in favor of comparatively straightforward, vaguely trippy psych-pop.

Frontman Bradford Cox has certainly honed his songwriting skills in the interim between albums, as evidenced on pretty much every track, including the mellifluous “Never Stops.”

SAMMY HAGAR “Loud” from Cosmic Universal Fashion (Roadrunner)

Easily Sammy Hagar’s biggest fan in the under25 set, I have to say I had no idea my red-headed hero was releasing a new disc, LET ALONE his 11th studio album (ahem, not too shabby), not to MENTION……… Okay that’s it. BUT, c’mon, the guy is 60+ now and still as awesome as ever.

How awesome, the haters might ask? Amazingly awesome. While his former bandmates toured the world last year on their charms of the past decades looking tired and still bickering amongst themselves, Sam the Man was writing new tunes, playing sold-out shows to his legions of loyal fans (the Redheads—proud one, right here), scoring a new record label and prepping this album. The debut single is classic Sammy, all about the fast cars (16 year old Sammy’s “dream machine”) and pretty ladies (multiple quotes abound, all semiinappropriate for print). Sammy reminds us that he lives his life “at full volume” and “cranked to 10,” and darnit if I can’t say at the age of 60, I’d love to be having half as much fun as Mr. Hagar.

HORRORS Strange House (Loog)

Although they met with instant success in their native UK, Horrors have thus far been roundly dismissed in the States as style-heavy garage-punk posers—a tag they mean to do away with as they release their first full-length album on this side of the pond. They’ve certainly listened to their fair share of 60s UK freakbeat: Menacing vocals, swirling organs and fuzzed-out guitars abound, and in general any semblance of melody is tossed aside in favor of a sustained audio assault. Much of the material on the album has been previously

Chemical Chords (4AD)

The perennial torch-bearers of space-age pop return with a new album of relatively concise and consistent material. Their apparently encyclopedic knowledge of 60s easy listening records has come to the absolute forefront this time around, and they make more use of brass, strings and other acoustic instrumentation than ever before.

It makes for a welcome addition to their usual battery of old-school synths. It seems at times as though they threw the entire 1960s output of A & M records (home of Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass, Claudine Longet and the Baja Marimba Band) in a blender and transposed the results.

They also seem to be more pop-focused than ever, as bubbly confections such as “Neon Beanbag” demonstrate.

KEANE BEYONCE

STEREOLAB

“Human” from Day and Age (Island)

Is there anything I loathe more than a new Killers single that makes me once again grapple with the fact that I outwardly HATE this band but inwardly CANNOT IGNORE THE FACT THAT THEIR MUSIC MAKES ME HAAAAAPPPYYY? Uh, no.

LADYHAWKE Ladyhawke (Universal)

New Zealander Ladyhawke, AKA Pip Brown, has joined the likes of Ting Tings and CSS as a canny female-driven purveyor of updated 80s synth-pop.

Named after the great anti-classic fantasy film of the decade in question, Ladyhawke may actually be the purest imitator of 80s sounds currently around; one could be forgiven for assuming that intensely catchy tracks like “My Delirium” and “Back of the Van” are freshly exhumed Kim Wilde outtakes. In fact, if Pip has one downfall, it may be her insistence on using slick, AOR-style retro production to compliment the hooks—a conceit that can come across as a bit lifeless in comparison with the work of her more well-known peers.

Riverstone

Riverstone grows on you. Sometimes the hooks and melodies show spirit and rich talent, and other times they’re fairly simple and whimsical.

I fear the shuffle feature on MP3 players reduces good albums, and dilutes bands that don’t categorize neatly. For some reason, I just kept returning to Riverstone so I could glean more from the rolling lyrics. “Heartbeat of San Francisco” is the best on the disc and a crowd-pleaser, but “Train Rolls” and “Riverstone” pack a punch. And, if you have ever found yourself laughing at Jimmy Buffet lyrics, consider “You and Me Gonna Get Drunk Tonight.” //

// OTM SUGGESTS //

UPCOMING SHOWS! December 3 (Alt Rock)

Low Vs. Diamond, Barcelona The Big Dipper, 171 S. Washington, 7478036 December 8 (thunder)

Celtic Thunder Spokane Arena, 800-325-SEAT December 9 (Very metal)

Lamb of God, The Faceless, The Sword knitting factory, 911 W. Sprague, 2443279 December 12 (Hip-Hop)

Blue Scholars, Common Market The Blvd., 333 W. Spokane Falls Blvd.

December 20 (blues rock)

Too Slim and The Tail Draggers knitting factory, 911 W. Sprague, 2443279 December 28 (Mixed)

The Production Company Presents: Battle Royale empyrean 154 S Madison St, 838-9819 December 31 (swing)

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy Northern Quest Casino, 800-325-SEAT January 3-4 (comedy jokes)

Lewis Black Northern Quest Casino, 800-325-SEAT

. . . Must.

Have. Stocking stuffers!

LOS FANCY FREE Nevergreens Volume 1 (Silicone Carne)

Woah woah woah! Los Fancy Free, currently residing in Mexico City of all surprising places (singer, composer, producer Martin Thulin was also born in Sweden), is winding, bending, grooooooovy guitar work, set against lulling yet guttural vocals.

Never one for this brand of the ‘60s set, I find myself returning to this album often over the past few days. Thulin claims to have wanted to make an album that was like “a journey by train,” and he’s done it—Vol 1 takes the listener through a variety of places, all underscored by a simplicity of movement that feels familiar, and welcoming. Tours through the states appear rare for the band, so take the opportunity and don’t miss this album.

NEW FACES Two Years (Loveless)

These high-schoolers out of Port Townsend, WA have crafted an extremely mature album of Interpol-and-Franz-Ferdinand-esque dance-rock that belies their youth. Lead singer/guitarist Nico turns in innovative, angular guitar work while belting catchy, nervous melodies in his distinctive baritone, while drummer Conor and bassist Kyle sound like a veteran, road-tested rhythm section. Their formula of low-key, danceable verses that give way to huge choruses serves them well throughout the length of the album, especially on the excellent “Ms. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang” and “My Alarm.” World domination seems easily within their grasp—after graduation, of course.

Boo Radleys Your stocking stuffer headquarters.

toys • books • cards • decor • etc.

232 N. Howard St. (across from the Carousel in downtown Spokaloo) (509) 456-7479 • open 7 days a week DECEMBER 2008

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Out There Monthly

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BOOK REVIEWS The Chainbreaker Bike Book: A Rough Guide to Bicycle Maintenance Shelley Lynn Jackson and Ethan Clark, Microcosm Publishing, 2008, 256 pages

Despite being written for bicyclists wanting to develop the independence repairing one’s bicycle provides, particularly those longing for the simpler life the utilitarian bicycle offers, The Chainbreaker Bike Book: A Rough Guide to Bicycle Maintenance by Shelley Lynn Jackson and Ethan Clark misses the mark as a DIY manual.

While often engaging reading, the book’s problems are myriad. The authors promulgate a punk ethos through layout and design. While hand-drawn illustrations might be less intimidating than schematics or photos, they rarely help facilitate repairs. Typographical help is limited to bold headings, all in Courier New. There’s a shortage of bulleted lists to guide users through the particular processes and many paragraphs lack even rudimentary blocking or indentation to signal a break.

Organization is another concern. While it’s fine to start with the wheels, the last thing the novice bike mechanic is going to do is repack wheel bearings or true a wheel before they can fix a flat.

Only after covering these more challenging tasks do readers get to the more mundane, and necessary, skills. The novice mechanic needs to start with what’s achievable before moving on to what requires particular tools and experience.

There are better repair manuals out there, so why buy this book? Chainbreaker evolved from a ‘zine of the same name published in New Orleans between 2001 and 2005. Roughly half of the book is excerpted from those ‘zines. This is one part of the book you’ll get something from, even though it doesn’t always reprint the complete original article and there’s little in the way of practical DIY advice.

What there is, in the book and the ‘zine excerpts, are stories about biking and wrenching in New Orleans and the bike culture of the city before the devastation wrought by Hurricane Katrina.

Read this book not for mechanical help, but to understand the love many share for the utilitarian side of the bike and its place in our world. Bradley Bleck

The Northwest Green Home Primer Kathleen O’Brien and Kathleen Smith, Timber Press, 2008, 300 pages

I was prepared to dislike and quickly dismiss The Northwest Green Home Primer. Given the current fad of overusing the word “green” for marketing purposes and profit, I tend to err on the side of skepticism when introduced to yet another publication with our favorite color in the title. However, O’Brien and Smith have given us a very pleasant surprise in this instantly essential addition to the crowded field.

The authors seemed to read hesitant-to-embrace minds like mine with the Preface that begins with an almost apologetic explanation of the mutation of several awkward terms to describe energy and resource efficient, healthy and environmentally friendly housing to the accepted term, “green building.”

Had I done my research on O’Brien and Smith before picking up the book, my skepticism may have vanished by the time I turned to the title page. Each if these two writers bring an impres-

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sive depth of knowledge to this project. Residents of Bainbridge Island, Washington, O’Brien and Smith are leaders in this emergent field both from an academic standpoint and in the housing in which they live.

This wealth of experience in design, architecture and education means that this book is much more than a pretty addition to the coffee table. It is packed with the interesting (why the Cascadia bioregion is especially vulnerable and how we can preserve and heal waterways and salmon with our building choices) and the helpfully practical (“Initial Needs Questionnaire,” “Healthy Building Checklist for Workers,” sections on passive solar, gray water and rain water collection 101).

The Northwest Green Home Primer is a gift (Christmas?) to those interested in creating sustainable solutions to housing. Whether you are seriously considering designing or building a new home or co-housing project, or if you are a current homeowner wanting to replace aging finishes or appliances, you will enjoy reading this book cover to cover, or simply thumbing through the gorgeous photographs and helpful asides. It is a comprehensive manual on future dwelling as we will and must live, beginning now. Angie Diefdorff

The Wild Places Robert Macfarlane, Granta Books, London, 2008, 320 pages, Grand Prize co-winner Banff Mountain Book Festival

The Banff Book Festival jury identified the creation of a sense of “place” as a common theme in both The Wild Places and Sid Marty’s book The Black Grizzly of Whiskey Creek, co-winners of the 2008 Grand Prize. Both stories create a strong connection between the reader and the environment in which the stories occur.

The Wild Places describes Macfarlane’s personal journey in search of the wildness left in the archipelago we sometimes call the British Isles. In his earlier book, Mountains of the Mind, Macfarlane probed the human psyche’s transition from the view of mountains as landscapes to be feared to one where the mountains became a place of adventure and even enjoyment. In The Wild Places Macfarlane is more focused on the need for wildness as a cathartic for the human spirit. Though he may not explicitly verbalize, it Macfarlane differentiates between wilderness as a large bio-geographic regime largely untrammeled and wildness as a region, large or small that stimulates awe in those who experience it.

Macfarlane walks, climbs (both cliffs and trees), swims and otherwise maneuvers through a myriad of landscapes: valleys and ridges, forests and capes, marshes, moors, beaches and tors finding the wildness in each. If Macfarlane teaches us anything he teaches us that wildness lies all around us; we need only go off the beaten path to places yet untouched because they lack wide open vistas or the weather is harsh or the terrain is rocky or wet.

Broken into “chapters” on the many “environments” Macfarlane finds, the book is perfect for savoring a bit at a time. It is better if you can read it cover to cover as there is a progression in experience that adds meaning when the elements are viewed as a whole.

In one dust jacket blurb, Bill McKibben comments, “I found it one of the most oddly comforting books I’ve read in a long time.” I think you will too. Stan Miller //

OUTDOOR CALENDAR AVALANCHE TRAINING

BIRDWATCHING (December 6) Turnbull Winterfest.

When: 9:00-3:00pm. Where: Turnbull Wildlife Refuge, Cheney, WA. The Friends of Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge will be having their annual Winterfest. This allday, by-donation event features tours to see elk on the Refuge, a presentation by a local raptor rehab and education program, a chili feed and live music. Come see the Refuge and its inhabitants in the winter season.

You might even bring your snowshoes! At the time of this writing, there are still spots on the elk tour; contact us at 235-4531 or looeezoleary@netscape.net to sign up for a space.

CLIMBING (Ongoing, Mondays) Womens Climb Night. When: 6PM – 8PM. Where: Wild Walls, 202 W. 2nd Ave. Please call ahead.

Come climb and learn to climb with other women in the Spokane area every Monday Night. Cost is $12. Join the Fun at Wild Walls! Info: (509) 455-9596.

(Ongoing Tuesdays & Saturdays) Spider Monkey climbing Club. When: 6PM – 8PM. Where: Wild Walls, 202 W. 2nd Ave. For kids ages 4 – 10 years. Please call ahead. For ages 4 and up. Come climb with friends! Cost $12 (single visit), $74 (8 punch pass). Info: (509) 455-9596.

CYCLING (Ongoing) Spokane’s Bike Buddy Program. When: Ongoing. Where: Spokane, WA. The Bike Buddy Program matches you with a trained volunteer famil-

Tickets are $21 at Bikereg.com and at the door. More information about the Superstar Cyclocross Seminar is available at: http://superstarcyclocrossseminar.wordpress.com/.

(December 4,7) Cross-Country Ski Family Lessons (2 sessions). When: 12/46:30-7:30 PM, 12/7 10 AM-12 Noon. Where: 1st session Mountain Gear, 2nd Session Mt. Spokane.

Discover a great family activity. Learn about clothing, equipment, and ski skills. Info: call 625-6200 or go to www.spokaneparks.org.

(December 4, 18) XC Ski Classes. When: 6:30 pm, 12/4, Thursday – Mountain Gear classroom, 12/18, Thursday – Mountain Gear classroom. Where: Mountain Gear, 2002 N. Division. Learn the basics of cross-country skiing in this two-session class (on-snow session at Mt Spokane). Come learn an inexpensive way to exercise, socialize and see the great outdoors.

Cost: $25/$7 rental. For registration info, go to www.spokaneparks.org or call 625.6200.

(December 12) Full Moon Festivus Fiasco. When: 8pm. Where: Starts at The Swamp. Prizes for holiday bike decorationA relaxed bike ride through Spokane during the full moon. Any bike. Any level of rider. Any level of beverage enjoyer. Info: http://fbcspokane.blogspot.com

(December 4) XC Ski Class—Women’s.

When: 6:30 pm. Where: Mountain Gear, 2002 N. Division. Learn the basics of cross-country skiing in this two-session women’s only class (on-snow session at Mt Spokane). Come learn an inexpensive way to exercise, socialize and see the great outdoors. Cost: $25/$7 rental. For registration info, go to www.spokaneparks.org or call 625.6200.

(December 24) BAKERY TO BAKERY RIDe. When: 10:00 AM. Where: Meet at Great Harvest Bakery, 29th & SE Blvd. Our annual Christmas bakery to bakery ride.

Four food stops -- this is the one we’ve been training for all year. Mileage: 15-20. Rated: B. Leader: Sally Phillips. Phone: 448-8724.

We will ride no matter what the weather.

Studded snow tires may be needed.

(December 4) XC Ski Class—Family. When: 6:30 pm. Where: Mountain Gear, 2002 N. Division. Discover a great family activity. Learn to ski with professional ski instruction through Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA).

Class covers clothing, equipment, and ski skills.

Cost: $17/$7 rental.Youth ages 6 - 15. For registration info, go to www.spokaneparks.org or call 625.6200. 2 sessions (ages 6 & over)

RUNNING/WALKING/MARATHONS

(December 6) XC Ski Class – Intermediate.

When: 10AM. Where: Mountain Gear, 2002 N. Division. Cost: $31/$7 rental. If you’ve taken our beginning lessons, or if you’ve skied before and want to become more skilled, this is your class. Skills covered are diagonal stride, double pole, uphill and slight downhill. Meet at Mt Spokane’s Selkirk Lodge. (ages 18 & over) For registration info, go to www.spokaneparks.org or call 625.6200.

(December 13) Jingle Bell Run & Walk. When: TBD. Where: Riverfront Park, Spokane Wa. Benefit for Arthritis Foundation. Also a 1k children’s run. Info: (206) 547-2707 or www.spokanejinglebellrun.kintera.org.

(December 13) National Club XC Championships. When: Starts 9:30AM. Where: Plantes Ferry Park, Spokane Valley.

The nation’s top distance runners for the USA Track & Field National Club Cross Country Championships. Info: (509) 4565812.

SNOWSPORTS (Ongoing October- January) Ski/ Snowboard Conditioning Class.

When: Tuesday/Thursday 7-8am, noon1pm, 6-7pm. Where: U-District Physical Therapy, 730 N. Hamilton. 5th annual Ski/ Snowboard Conditioning Class. Get in shape for the upcoming season. $75 per month (8 sessions). More info www.udistrictpt.com Info: (509) 458-7686, www.

(December 6) Ski Skating Class. When: 10AM. Where: Mountain Gear, 2002 N. Division.

Cost: $31/$7 rental.

Skating is quick, graceful and fun. Learn with us as you experience the basics of ski-skating. Class is taught

by PSIA-certified cross-country ski instructors.

Meet at Mt Spokane’s Selkirk Lodge. (ages 18 & over) For registration info, go to www.spokaneparks.org or call 625.6200.

(January 1) 3rd annual Int’l KILT RUN and 1st night Bonfire. When: 1:00pm first run. Where: Schweitzer Mtn. Resort. Show the stuff yer made of, ski or board down the mountain, wear a kilt! win prizes. Registration begins at

OUTDOOR

(Tuesdays December) Discover Rock Climbing. When: 6 PM – 8 PM. Where: Mountain Gear, 2002 North Division.

Everything you need to harness up, tie in and belay with confidence. This class is for those who wish to get into climbing, as well as for parents wishing to get their young ones climbing safely. Cost: $20. Info: www. mgear.com.

(December 6) Superstar Cyclocross Seminar. When: 7-10 p.m.Where: VFW Hall #907, 825 SE Mills Ave. (on 9th St. between Division and Hawthorne)Portland, OR. The Superstar Cyclocross Seminar is presented by EliteAthleticsWorld.com and Schlamm Clothing. Additional event sponsors include: Lucky Lab Brewery, Veloce Bicycles, Clever Cycles, Cyclocross magazine, and VeloPress.

udistrictpt.com.

CAL E NDAR

(Ongoing Tuesdays & Thursdays) Vertical Intro. When: 6PM – 8PM. Where: Wild Walls, 202 W. 2nd Ave. Two hour class and seven days of free climbing.

Please call ahead. Come climb with friends!

Cost $35. Info: (509) 455-9596.

iar with the commute between your neighborhood and workplace. Sponsored by the Spokane Bicycle Club and Bicycle Alliance of Washington. Info: SpokaneBikeBuddy@ aol.com.

DEC2008

(December 13-14) Avalanche Level 1 Certificate Course. When: Call. Where: North Idaho College. Participates will learn how to recognize & avoid avalanche terrain, understand what contributes to avalanches and practice companion rescues. $145 instruction, equipment use & transportation. Info: (208) 769-7809. www.nic.edu/op

SUBMIT your event at www.outtheremonthly.com

DECEMBER 2008

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outdoor calendar 11:00am, or go online.Info: (208) 255-9829, http://www.st-joseph-church.net/sjpd/ SNIOWSHOEING (December 11) Snowshoe Class. When: 6:30 pm. Where: Mountain Gear, 2002 N. Division. Cost: $25/$7 rental. Learn the basics of snowshoeing - you will receive information on clothing, equipment, and snowshoe technique. Enjoy traveling through the snow-covered trees and hills around Mt Spokane. 2 sessions (ages 14 & over) For registration info, go to www.spokaneparks.org or call 625.6200.

(December 11) Snowshoe Class – Women’s. When: 6:30 pm. Where: Mountain Gear, 2002 N. Division. Cost: $25/$7 rental.

Learn the basics of snowshoeing - you will receive information on clothing, equipment, and snowshoe technique. Enjoy traveling through the snow-covered trees and hills around Mt Spokane. 2 sessions (ages 18 & over) For registration info, go to www.spokaneparks.org or call 625-6200.

EVENTS, MOVIES, MISC. (December 2) A river Lost, A River Found: Historic Photos of the Lower Snake River. When: 7:00 pm. Where: Magic Lantern Theatre; 25 W. Main Ave. A presentation of historic photos of the Snake River canyon prior to its flooding by four hydro projects between 1961 and 1974. nfo: (509) 209-260, jerry@wildsalmon.org.

(December 3) Amputee Support Group.

When: 6-7pm. Where: St. Luke’s Rehabilitation Institute, 711 S. Cowley St. Spokane, WA. Provides an opportunity to meet people, share experiences and concerns, enjoy special speakers and discuss topics important to amputees. People with amputations as well as friends and families are welcome to attend.

Info: (509) 232-8138.

(December 3) Spokane River Workshop.

When: 6:00pm – 8:00pm. Where: Post Falls Library. Celp is holding a FREE workshop on the Spokane River and all the changes that are going on. Find out what agencies like the Department of Ecology, Environmental Protection Agency and City and County of Spokane are doing, and what you can do.

Come see how this affects you. Info: (509) 209-2899, www.celp.org.

(December 5, 7) Firewalking Workshop.

When: Fri: 7pm, Sun: Noon. Where: Twin Eagles Wilderness School, Sandpoint, ID. Firewalking has its origin in pre-history.

In many countries the ancients firewalked in powerful rituals of renewal. Throughout the ages firewalking has been a part of the tapestry of human culture. It has always been practiced in the context of physical, emotional, or spiritual healing. Today the firewalk has captivated hundreds of thousands world24

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submit your event at www.outtheremonthly.com

wide as a tool of personal empowerment and much more...For cost, more information and registration, call Twin Eagles Wilderness School at (208) 265-3685.

(December 5) Northwest Ecobuilding Guild/Slow Food Spokane Holiday Dinner. When: 6 PM. Where: EcoDepot, 1326 East Sprague. Potluck meal. Bring food to share rom your own garden or from a producer you have met. Green Building presentation by Kelly Lerner. Info: julietsinisterra@ yahoo.com.

(December 7) Wellness Open House.

When: 4-7 pm. Where: Lavender & Sage Wellness Center, 3418 S. Grand Blvd. Come enjoy free sessions at the Lavender & Sage Wellness Center Holiday Open House!!!

Offering massage, acupuncture, yoga, counseling and more. Info: (509) 747-2669.

(December 7) Alternative Gift Fair.

When: 10:15-11:00am and 12:00-2:00pm.

Where: Unitarian Universalist Church, 4340 W. Ft. Wright Drive. The gift fair offers shoppers a choice of holiday gifts that honor family and friends while providing financial support to a variety of local charities and non-profits, including Project HOPE and therefore Riverfront Farm. Info: (509) 3256383.

(December 11) Kamiak Community Movie Night. When: 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM. Where: Kamiak Christian School - South Hill, 3621 S. Fancher Road, Spokane, WA. SHORT FILM: Store Wars FEATURE: The Alps. Price? FREE. Info: (509) 844-4602, www.kamiak.org.

(January 10-11) Health*Beauty spa show. When: Sat: 10-7pm, Sun: 11-5pm.

Where: Spokane Community College Lair.

This event is designed to help people explore their wellness options and re-energize their busy lives. The show is benefitting the YWCA’s Alternatives to Domestic Violence Program, donating 10% of the show admission and treatment ticket proceeds to the program and conducting a food and hygiene supply drive at the entrance for the YWCA’s women’s safe shelter. Info: www.healthbeautyshow.com.

(December 14) Community Roots Market. When: 11 AM to 4 PM. Where:Fresh Abundance, 2015 N Division. Community Roots Winter Market December 14th from 11-4 located at 2015 North Division. We are a BUY LOCAL venue that celebrates the farmers, musicians, crafts people. Info: (509) 4355210, brightspirit@freshabundance.com. //

SIX MONTH TRAINING CALENDAR // (May) Coeur d’Alene Marathon.

Coeur d’Alene, ID. Info: www.cdamara(March) Red Rock Rendezvous. Las thon.com.

Vegas, NV. Info: www.mgear.com.

CLIMBING

(May) Vancouver International Marathon. Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Info: (604) 872-2928 or www.adi(April) Frozen Flatlands. Cheney, WA. dasvanmarathon.ca/hm.

Info: www.baddlands.org.

Cycling

(May) Hippie Chick Half Marathon.

(May 12) INland Empire Century.

Portland, OR. Info: (503) 691-6888 or Richland,WA. Info: tricitybicycleclub.org. www.allwomenshalf.com.

(May) Twilight Series. Spokane, WA. (May) Brooks Peach City Marathon.

Info: www.baddlands.org.

Penticton, B.C. Info: (250) 490-3334 or www.peachcityrunners.com/marathon/ (May) 24 Hours Round the Clock. main.htm.

Riverside State Park, Spokane, WA. Info: www.roundandround.com.

(May) Capital City Marathon and Half Marathon. Olympia, WA. Info: MARATHONS (360) 786-1786 or www.capitalcitymara(March) Snake River Canyon Half thon.org.

Marathon. Pullman, WA. Info: www.

SKIING/SNOWBOARDING palouseroadrunners.org.

(July 12) Missoula Marathon, Missoula MT. Full and half marathon, marathon relay and kids marathon. New this year we are extending the course hours to 7 1/2 hours (from 6 hours) to accommodate walkers on the full marathon course. Info: (406) 626-4055, www. missoulamarathon.org.

OTHER (July 13-18) 29th National Veterans Wheelchair Games, Spokane Convention Center, Spokane Valley Gun Club, Spokane Falls Community College and Riverfront Park. A multevent sports and rehabilitation program for military service members who use wheelchairs for sports competition due to spinal cord injuries, amputations, or certain neurological probelms. It attracts over 500 athletes each year-largest annual whhelchair event in the world. Info: (509) 434-7216, www.wheelchairgames.va.gov.

RUNNING

(January) Methow Valley Pursuit.

Winthrop, WA. Info: www.mvsta.com.

(February) Starlight Race Series.

Schweitzer Ski Resort, Idaho. Info: www. schweitzer.com.

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

(February) Sheimo Cup. 49 Degrees North. Info: www.ski49.com.

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

Winthrop,WA. Info: www.mvsta.com.

(May) NIChallenge Sprint Adventure Race. Coeur d’Alene, ID. Info: www.nic. edu/activities.

(April) Spokane River Run. Info: www. (May) ONion Man Triathlon. Walla Walla, WA Info: www.multisports.com. spokaneriverrun.com.

(April) Komen Eastern Washington (May) Triathlon @ Rigby Lake. Idaho Race for the Cure. Downtown Spokane. Falls State Park, ID. Info: www.triclubiInfo: (509) 363-8188 or www.komenspo- daho.org. // kane.org (May 3) Lilac Bloomsday Run. Info: www.bloomsdayrun.org.

HAVE AN EVENT YOU WOULD LIKE TO LIST? // Please visit www.outtheremonthly.com and click the “Submit Your Event” link. // Events MUST be sent in by the 20th of the month to be listed in the following month’s issue. Please follow the when, where format as seen in the calendar. Ongoing events need to be re-submitted each month.

Give the Gift of Health with a YMCA Membership Give your friends or family the opportunity to get fit and have fun together, take part in life enriching activities, swim, take an aerobics class and enjoy a wide variety of YMCA programs for all ages.

Call Today and ask about Gift Membership and learn more about our 2 New Facilities opening in 2009!

YMCA We build strong kids, strong families, strong communities.

www.ymcaspokane.org

Downtown: 838-3577 • Valley: 777-9622

Camping Cook System™

The new 08-09 Go Green Directory is out now.

4 insulated mugs. 4 bowls. 4 plates. A crushproof lid with strainer holes. 2 pots and fry pan. Even the proverbial (welded) kitchen sink.

The Camping Cook System™ easily serves four. If you’re cool with that.

www.gogreendirectory.com

1.800.704.4474 GSI Outdoors_ProductAD

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Cross Country Skiing Circa 1975

By Jon Jonckers

Does New Gear Change the Sport?

Quite often, the least likely books expand your mind the most. No kidding, the following quote is the first thing I read when I flipped open this book.

“Although we won’t go so far as to call them, “Aunt Mabel’s old-time gym bloomers”, an old baggy pair of pants stuffed into the tops of some work socks and underlined by underwear provide a suitable garb for the lower body. Couple these with a fishnet undershirt, a turtleneck jersey, and a woolen sweater and you have a very functional touring outfit. A pair of lined leather mitts, or even a pair of woolen gloves, and a woolen toque complete the essentials. A word of caution though; always overdress.”

On the following page, I read: “Later, when funds and interest permit, you can invest in a ski suit, knicker socks, and gloves. Such suits are usually made from stretch nylon and are very durable, lasting up to 10 years with continual use or even longer with occasional use. Most suits are made in Scandinavia and come in a variety of colours and styles. The two-piece style is the most popular, with the one-piece suit being more popular with the racing fraternity. As with other sports, cross country skiing is not without its fashionable items and most of these suits have the usual stripes and designs to attract the eye and empty the pock-

etbook.”

Still laughing, I purchased the book for a mere $3.75 at a secondhand bookstore, if only for further comic relief.

The quotes come from the pen of David Rees.

Not the cartoonist, but the David Rees that served on the 1968 Canadian Winter Olympic team.

Following his Olympic days and several seasons of coaching, he penned a book called Cross Country Skiing. No doubt, Mr. Rees is a better skier than me 100 times over. But the tone of this book, and the dated advice, and the fact that he dedicated over 21 pages to waxing really made me laugh.

Sure, I understand Scandinavians and Norwegians offer PhDs in cross country ski waxing; but seriously, 21 pages?

All things considered, Rees writes like he skis – fast and direct with good surges, yet smooth and efficient to otherwise streamline technical matters. However, the real payoff occurred when I did a web search for David Rees skier. He shows up immediately on the Canadian Ski Museum Ski Hall of Fame website. A glowing PDF relayed his most impressive achievements, including: “In the Canadian Junior Championships, Dave placed in the top three for four years (1959-1962), winning three gold medals, three silver and a bronze in the

“From near obscurity it has begun to return as a form of winter recreation.” open junior cross country, jumping and nordic combined classes.”

Quite unexpectedly, the more I read about this character, the more I wanted to read about others like him, in the same era. I did a few fervent Google searches for Grenoble Olympic skiers, and record setting skiers. This book combined with the established author and the relatively infant sport exhibited a weird collision of time, writing style, and circumstances. It’s worth noting that the book was released in 1975 – a championship year for Jimmy Connors, the Pittsburg Steelers and the Golden State Warriors. Steve Prefontaine had only recently passed.

All throughout the Cross Country Skiing book and the various website boastings, the same notion kept creeping forward. When I scrutinized Rees and other’s accomplishments, it wasn’t heightened by dedication and the presence of cuttingedge gear; it was heightened by dedication in the absence of cutting-edge gear. Long before NASA even considered Gore-Tex for their spacesuits, at a time when “Aunt Mabel’s old-time gym bloomers” Cross country skiing today on mt. spokane // Photo George Momany, the Spokane Nordic Ski foundation.

• Winter Solstice Restorative Candlelight Class • Holiday Gift Certificates available • Learn the Basics session starting in January • Nationally recognized Teacher Training Program • Child Care available

spokane yoga shala 505 east 24th avenue spokane, 509.869.4121 www.spokaneyogashala.com 26

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was acceptable, North American skiers produced some crushing Nordic ski times. I don’t mean to argue old vs. new, but take a moment and think about how much carbon fiber and titanium have changed golf clubs, road bikes, and ski poles.

Oddly enough, the launch of this book coincided with the dawn of the fiberglass ski, as well as the first waxless skis from Trak. As soon as trademark fish scales arrived, pattern bases changed everything. Yet, the book only makes a brief and skeptical mention of this revolution. Simultaneously, the counter-culture of the early 70’s, eager to cast off into the wilderness, fortified young companies like The North Face, Sierra Designs, Marmot and Chouinard Equipment.

After many more people have forgotten the name David Rees, I wonder what current trends in clothing, equipment and style will have someone else laughing 30 years from now. Or perhaps the BIG JOKE will be that there used to be snow, and people used to slide and skid around on boards harnessed to their feet. That’s certainly a difficult thought to swallow.

Underneath all of my whimsical wonderings, I am strangely curious about something else related to cross country skiing and the Spokane area. Considering that the GSL, specifically Mead, NC and Ferris, just kicked ass AGAIN in the Washington State Cross Country running Championships, why aren’t there more local crosscountry skiing fiends? The Spokesman Review recently reported that the GSL holds a 21-year, stranglehold on the state championship trophy.

They also wrote that Mead has never placed lower than third while winning 14 titles. There are arguably 200 young men in the immediate area with the legs and the lungs to be the next David Rees. And, if any of you really wanted to set some records on the track in the 1600 or the 3200 this spring, you would be training hard at the two local Nordic areas.

Lastly, here’s a summary from Rees pinpointing his favorite virtues of cross country skiing.

“From near obscurity it has begun to return as a form of winter recreation that allows maximum interaction between man and his natural environment. It provides a means of healthy exercise in natural surroundings at a pace anyone can enjoy. In the future it will likely continue to grow as more and more people seek refuge from automobile exhaust and urban madness.” //

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m

Your Adventure Starts Here.

Full-service shop, rentals, demos, classes and an experienced staff!

The North Face Flash Fleece Beanie $24.95

Patagonia Windproof Leeway Jacket Men’s & Women’s $149.00

Mountain Hardwear Enterprise Pack regular $90.00 Sale Price $69.98

The North Face NSE Tent Mule Men’s & Women’s $40.00

Atlas 8 Series Snowshoe Men’s & Women’s from $129.95

Oregon Scientific ATC 2K / 3K / 5K Waterproof Action Cameras regular price from $119.99 Our Price from $99.00

Ganesh Himal Mountain Teapot from $49.95 Joshua Tree Tea Gift Set $39.95

Klean Kanteen Water Bottle 27 oz $19.95

December Events

Mountain Hardwea Power Stretch Glove regular $26.95 Sale Price $14.98

XC Ski Classes: Dec 4 , 18 / Thur

@ Mountain Gear (6:30 pm) $25; For more info on our xc ski, skate ski and snowshoe classes call 325.9000 or go to mountaingear.com/retail

Discover Rock Climbing: Dec 2, 9, 16 / Tues @ Mountain Gear (6 - 8 pm) $20

2002 N Division, Spokane • 509.325.9000 • mountaingear.com/retail Store hours: Mon - Fri 10 am - 8 pm, Sat 10 am - 6 pm, Sun 11 am - 5 pm

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Mountain Gear Jigsaw Puzzles $12.95

WinterFest

January 10 - 11 at 49° North Ski Resort

Come play & race, demo new gear on telemark, AT, XC skis and snowshoes.

Avalanche Class: Level 1 January 14 - 15 & on-mtn class (TBA) Class size is limited. Reserve early.

Cost $200. Call for more info: 325.9000

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