VOL.9 // NO.5 // JANUARY 2013
February 3
Calling All Women
www.souperbowlspokane.org
THE INLAND NORTHWEST GUIDE TO OUTDOOR RECREATION
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Terrific TerrAiN PARK GUIDE LOCAL MOUNTAINS PUSH FEATURES TO THE NExT LEVEL HELP Shape the Future of Riverside SP P.5
WHAT’S YOUR GEAR? Winter Bike Commuting P.11
BOOKS: The Beauty of the North Cascades P.12
ROADTRIP: Cold Smoke Powder Fest at Whitewater P.8
NEWS: Great Nordic Ski Events Are Coming P.6
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Out There Monthly / January 2013
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In This Issue p.5 / From the Editor
MONTHLY
The Future of Riverside State Park By Jon Snyder
www.outtheremonthly.com Out There Monthly / January 2013
p.6 / Out There News
Publisher and Editor-in-Chief
Nordic Events and Backcountry Film Fest
Jon Snyder jon@outtheremonthly.com Art Director
Kaitlin Snyder Managing Editor
Cold Smoke Powder Fest at Whitewater By Derrick Knowles
p.9 / Book Reviews The North Cascades & Finding Hope in Alaska By Stan Miller & Peter G. Williams
p.10 / Photo of the month And Roadtrip DJ By Dave Jackson & Sarah Hauge
p.11 / What’s Your Gear? Jeff Everett, Winter Bike Commuting By Amy Silbernagel McCaffree
p.12 / Health and Fitness Revenge of the Superbug By Dr. Bob Lutz
Amy Silbernagel McCaffree Health & Fitness Editor
Dr. Bob Lutz senior writers
Jon Jonckers, Derrick Knowles Contributing Writers:
Hank Greer, Sarah Hauge, Stan Miller, Erin Muat, Brad Naccarato, Ann Torigoe-Hawkins, Peter G. Williams Distribution Coordinator
Barbara Snyder To request issues please call 509 / 534 / 3347 Ad Sales
Jon Snyder: 509 / 534 / 3347 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 2012 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.
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p.13 / Everyday cyclist A Bike Shop Where You Do the Out There Monthly also supports
Work By Hank Greer
p.14 / January INLAND NW OUTDOOR CAlendar & 6 Month Training Calendar p.18 / Terrific terrain park Guide Local Mountains Push Features to the Next Level By Brad Naccarato
On the cover: Bouncing off a tree at the terrain park at Silver Mountain. // Photo Doug Marshal, courtesy of Silver Mountain.
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Out There Monthly / January 2013
Selkirk Nordic Series
p.8 /Roadtrips
Skiers must participate in three races to qualify
Cougar Gulch 10k Freestyle Saturday, January 5, 2013 schweitzer.com/mountain/nordic_center
Chewelah Peak Challenge • 7K Freestyle Saturday, February 2, 2013 ski49n.com
35th Annual • Mt. Spokane 10K Classic Race Sunday, February 10, 2103 spokanelanglauf.org
Spokane JNQ • 10k Classic Race Mt. Spokane: Saturday, February 23, 2013 spokanenordic.org
Rules: Scoring: 20,19, 18...11, 10, for first through tenth place, minimum of ten points for participation. Must participate in at least 3 races to qualify, but can count all four races toward total score. Must pre-register for Spokane JNQ for that race to count toward your total.
Top Three Places will get Jackets from Fitness Fanatics Garmin watches will be raffled to all participants
From the Editor: THe Future of RIverside State Park “The only way we’ll survive this is if people get involved.” Sounds like a line from some Hollywood apocalyptic thriller. That’s actually Park Manager Chris Guidotti talking about the future of Riverside State Park. In the recent drama of our State’s budget crisis State Parks have only been a minor subplot. Few are aware that State Parks are set to lose all their revenue from the general fund next year. If nothing changes the only way State Parks will get future revenue is through the Discover Pass, fees, naming rights, and other moneymaking activities. That means all state parks must generate more money or be forced to close.
“How do we do that without selling our souls?” says Guidotti. At some point raising cash can overwhelm your mission statement. Do we really want massive new RV Parks at every state facility? If you love Riverside State Park then there’s role for you to play. Guidotti and supporters of Riverside State Park want to help the community connect to the park, and have the community help them gather info on how they can make the park financially sustainable. Simply joining their email list would be a great start. That will keep you in the loop on feedback and planning opportunities. Chris says what really scares him about next year are the prospects for natural resource-based
parks like those in the San Juan Islands. If the legislature’s zero-general fund parks budget doesn’t change next year “You will see parks closed,” says Guidotti . Next year is Washington Sate Park’s 100-year anniversary. Riverside State Park has a foundation that they hope will help carry them through for another 100 years. If you use Riverside State Park in any way, whether it’s on an ATV, running a trail, camping, launching a boat, mountain biking, hiking, or watching birds, you can make a big impact with a fairly small investment of your time. The Riverside State Park Foundation board will take the contact information from everyone who
emails them and send out project specifics so that you can chose how you’d like to be involved. Despite the challenges Park Manager Guidotti still seems to be hopeful about the park’s future. I do too, as long as we can get some park supporters mobilized to come help save the day. Please email: thefuturefoundation@riversidestatepark.org ----------------------------------------------------JON SNYDER, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF editor@outtheremonthly.com P.S. Thanks to everyone who answered our reader questionaire on our OTM facebook page.
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Out There News Now’s the time to try nordic skiing Great Advice and Great Events for Beginners
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Out There Monthly / January 2013
Are you looking for an exciting challenge to maintain or even improve your fitness this winter? Are you tired of slogging away on a treadmill or bike trainer? Why don’t you consider entering in one of the cross-country (also known as Nordic) ski races being offered at Mt. Spokane this winter? It’s a great way to keep focused in the colder months of the year. Having a goal to work towards keeps motivation high and gives one a sense of accomplishment. Cross-country skiing is an excellent sport to pursue in the winter as it gives your legs a break from the wear and tear of running and bicycling during summer months. “Cross-country skiing is an excellent, totalbody conditioning activity that can enhance many aspects of fitness, including cardiovascular conditioning, core and extremity strengthening, balance, and coordination, and is non-impact and therefore gentle on your joints” says Erin Young, co-owner of Parkside Physical Therapy. “Because it utilizes a reciprocal pattern of movement that is familiar to most of us—that of walking—it is easily learned. To top it off, it’s fun, social, and a great cure for cabin fever!” Cross-country skiing in the woods is the perfect antidote for dealing with the winter blues. Mt. Spokane State Park now has 48 kilometers of groomed trails and the mountain is only a 45 minute drive from downtown Spokane. Many Spokanites have never even visited the park, which is among the city’s best kept secrets. Spokane Nordic Ski Association (SNSA) maintains the Mt. Spokane Cross-Country Ski Park, along with Mt. Spokane State Park and the Inland Empire Paper Company who allows skiers to use their land. SNSA helps maintain the trails, facilities, hosts ski competitions and provides programs for adults and children to learn to ski. For those who don’t have cross-country skis, rental gear is easily available at local outdoor retailers such as Fitness Fanatics, Mountain Gear and REI. For those who want to take it a step further, try entering a cross-country ski race. Signing up for your first race can be a little intimidating, but Nordic skiers are very friendly. Most racers selfseed (where slower racers start themselves further back at the starting line) so they don’t get immediately passed by faster skiers or take a spill and cause a pile-up. Once the race begins, one only needs to find a pair of tracks to follow and the race is on. Matt Halloran, who helps coach the Spokane Nordic Ski Team, says “If you are contemplating entering your first ski race this year don’t overwhelm yourself with pressure to perform, just go out and have fun. Better yet, get a friend to race also and have the person who wins buy coffee. That way, everyone wins and you will have someone to share the experience with.” Virginia DeLeon, a frequent user of Spokane’s cross-country ski trails says “I started Nordic skiing when my son, Zane, was 2—so this was seven years ago. I was 32. I had absolutely no experience on cross-country skis so for the longest time I thought it was just like running except for on skis. I was wrong, of course, but that’s also how I skied at my first Langlauf. I think I started skiing in late December and then did Langlauf in February. I used a pair of cheap no-wax skis and boots that
were too tight. I didn’t glide but I ran. Despite all that, it was a really fun experience. I enjoyed the camaraderie—the Nordic crowd is very supportive and fun. I also loved learning a new sport. And because there aren’t a lot of skiers at Langlauf, I placed in my age group. Fourth or third—I can’t quite remember but I was so surprised.” If you would like to experience a fun crosscountry ski race experience, the Group Health/ Providence Health Care Challenge is February 23 and 24. Saturday is the classic race and Sunday is the freestyle, (otherwise known as skate) ski race. The Junior National Qualifiers, for teen competitors around the Pacific Northwest will also be competing in a simultaneous race. You’ll be surrounded by kids wearing wild colorful racing suits that represent their local ski club. The Lollipop race on Sunday, for children ages 6 and under, promises to be a fun event for both kids and parents. They’ll be a generous drawing for prizes from Mountain Gear and t-shirts for all who enter the race. After the race, hot soup will be provided with snacks. “It’s a good way to get out to exercise in the winter and challenge yourself at the same time. It’s also an exciting opportunity to see some of the most competitive youth in the Pacific Northwest” says John McCarthy, President of Spokane Nordic Ski Association and Race Director. Come on up and make the leap to cross-country ski racing this winter! //
Several cross-country ski races being offered this winter: February 10-Langlauf, a 10k classic race February 23 and 24-Group Health/Providence Health Care Challenge and Junior National Qualifiers. March 3 - Selkirk Challenge- a 35k and 50k ski (classic or skate) at Mt. Spokane.
Out There News Souper Bowl & Other Events are back
At the women’s souper bowl.
The new year awaits with a looming fiscal cliff, x degrees increase in global temperatures and…Nordic ski races! Get your mind off impending catastrophes, and have some snowladen fun with these two Ski events: the Souper Bowl and the Langlauf. For those women not particularly fond of watching oversized men ram into each other on the infamous first Sunday of February (2/3/12), the female-only “Souper” Bowl Snowshoe and Cross Country Ski event offers a worthwhile alternative, while fulfilling ones philanthropic urges (all donations go to the Women’s and Children’s Free Restaurant). Like last year, this event will host a 10K Poker Ski (pick up five cards along the course—best poker hand wins) and an easy and fun snowshoeing route (the only time of the year when you can snowshoe on cross country
trails!). This year, however, a more strenuous 3 mile snowshoe hike is available for the more adventurous souls. Also new this year is “Eco Transportation,” in which two buses pick up participants at three convenient locations for a small fee of $5. And, wait, here comes the best part – hot soup for lunch. Ski the 35th annual Langlauf 10K at Mount Spokane on Sunday, February 10, open to any age, gender, or ability. According to the Langlauf Association, “Our award ceremony is epic,” with a plethora of trophies, medals, ribbons, and over $6000 worth of door prizes. Another goody the Langlauf provides is a complimentary kick wax for all entrants. A long-standing tradition at the Langlauf is the Woolies Awards, given to those brave enough to adorn themselves with old fashioned ski-apparel/gear (including wooden skis). Note: no skating for this race – only classical technique allowed. The $25 online entry closes February 6, but a race day $35 ticket is also available. For more information, please contact Langlauf Association president Tim Ray at skixc@hotmail.com. Can’t make it to Souper Bowl or Langlauf? No worries! Here are some other fun Nordic races to consider: Jan 19 – Skirennen Citizen Race at Leavenworth (9am) Feb 2 – Chicks on Sticks race at Leavenworth (9:30am) Feb 16 – Bavarian Cup at Leavenworth (9am)
backcountry film fest January 30 A full night of films that celebrate the human-powered, winter backcountry experience—including backcountry ski, snowboard, and mountaineering pursuits—is being hosted by the Inland Northwest Backcountry Alliance (INBA) on Wednesday, January 30th on the Gonzaga University campus. This is the second year in a row that INBA has brought the Backcountry Film Festival to Spokane. The festival, which highlights soulful, independent backcountry ski and winter sport films, is a project of the Winter Wildlands Alliance, a grassroots group that along with local organizations like INBA, advocate on behalf of backcountry skiers and boarders, snowshoers, and other non-motorized winter sports enthusiasts to make sure quality access to quiet trails and terrain is protected from expanding snowmobile encroachment and other development. The film selection this year covers a broad range of winter pursuits from all over the world. Skiing the Void, a 12-part web video series by Sweetgrass Productions, documents two-year’s of Andean adventure during the making of their 2011 film Solitaire. Another title that should be a favorite is Unicorn Sashimi, a film by the tal-
ented and creative Felt Soul Media that highlights some deep backcountry riding through beautiful snow-covered landscapes in Japan. Other films on the list include TGR’s Further, a call for climate recovery from a nine-year old called A Story of Trust, an Alaskan wilderness adventure flick titled Alaska Wilderness Classic, a film about Washington splitboard mountaineer Kyle Miller called FreeRider, and a few others. Come early (doors open at 6) to make sure you get tickets, good seats, and to get primed for door prizes and a raffle. It’s also a good chance to meet the people involved with the Inland Northwest Backcountry Alliance (INBA) and some of the other folks you might run into out in the backcountry this winter. This year’s Backcountry Film Festival in Spokane is sponsored by INBA, Gonzaga Outdoors, and the Spokane Mountaineers Foundation. Films start at 7PM, Wednesday January 30th in Gonzaga University’s Jepson Center Wolff Auditorium (502 East Boone Ave). Tickets are $10 or $5 for students with I.D. Learn more about INBA and local backcountry winter recreation issues at: http://ibackcountry.org/
January 2013
/ Out There Monthly
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Road Trips
Head North For Cold Smoke
Annual Backcountry Ski Fest Takes Place at Whitewater in Nelson, B.C. /
By Derrick Knowles
Last winter, while much of the Inland Northwest suffered from prolonged periods of snow drought and erratic temperatures that ruined many potential powder days, conditions were considerably better and more stable just to the north. The Canadian Selkirks rake in the snow with places like Whitewater Ski Resort receiving an average of 40+ feet a year. Such ideal conditions make Whitewater Resort and nearby Nelson, B.C. an ideal place to stage a backcountry ski or board adventure this winter. About 3.5 hours north of Spokane, Whitewater has excellent lift-accessed sidecountry runs for those looking for a taste of the backcountry without a lot of uphill climbing and even better backcountry terrain just over the ridge in almost every direction from the resort boundary. The snow was piling up early again this year according to Anne Pigeon, Whitewater’s VP of Operations and Marketing. “We’re super stoked about the start of the season. We opened with a record 2 meter base this year. It was phenomenal. I was skiing fresh up to my knees.
Getting ready for cold smoke. // photo courtesy whitewater resort, nelson B.C.
There are contests for all abilities, clinics for all abilities and lots of social opportunities. Whitewater’s 7th annual Cold Smoke Powder Festival Feb 22-24 makes for a prime time to plan a backcountry trip this season. Cold Smoke is an entire festival dedicated to honing backcountry skills and enjoying some spirited mountain culture. The mix of events and clinics are set up for a wide range of ability levels and make Cold Smoke appealing to just about anybody.
Shattering the senses: Outdoor intensity inside a bottle. 8
Out There Monthly / January 2013
Cold Smoke Powder Festival, February 22-24 The Cold Smoke festival keeps getting better every year as the Whitewater team continues to fine-tune the event. This year, except for the Friday night film festival opener in Nelson at the Selkirk College, all of the events, including Saturday night’s après ski with fire dancers and other entertainment, “Buff-Eh” dinner, and after-party with a local jazz band are all up at the Whitewater village and closer to the world-class telemark and alpine skiing and backcountry skills clinics. The whole festival is incredibly inclusive, says Cold Smoke clinic organizer and instructor Karen Reader. “That is what drew me to it originally— there are contests for all abilities, clinics for all abilities and lots of social opportunities,” says Reader. Backcountry touring clinics include beginner and backcountry basics tours; an all-women’s tour; tours focused on skiing big, steep lines and choosing safe terrain; and a clinic with a focus on the human decision making factors involved with touring. There are also a couple clinics led by one
of Canada’s freeskiing pioneers Eric Pehota and ski mountaineer Greg Hill who is known for his mind-blowing up-hill capacity. Basic touring gear is required for all backcountry tours. The on-area clinic line-up also offers a great blend for all abilities and interests, including beginners looking to build their skills or get into backcountry skiing or boarding. “The beginner terrain at Whitewater is excellent and playful, and we offer a novice clinic every day,” says Reader. On the other end of the spectrum, Reader notes that many of the on-area and backcountry clinics are designed for experienced skiers. “I’ve been teaching for almost 20 years, coach a freeskiing team, and am an avid backcountry skier, but if I didn’t teach at the festival, I would totally get in on some clinics,” says Reader. Cold Smoke clinics in the Whitewater Resort boundary this year that will help you build on your backcountry skiing skills come with titles like “Versatility & Fluidity in Telemark Skiing,” “KEEN Rippin Chix,” and “Entering Steeper Terrain.” For all festival and clinic details and to register early, which is highly recommended as many clinics and events fill up fast, visit: http://www.coldsmokepowderfest.com/ D.I.Y. Whitewater Backcountry It’s also easy to plan your own Whitewater backcountry trip using information the resort makes available online along with other resources. The links below offer good info on sidecountry and easily accessible backcountry routes from the resort, including classic tours like White Queen, Evening Ridge, West Ymir and the Five Mile Basin. The online descriptions are only a teaser and not really enough to venture out into the backcountry without more info, a map, and/or someone with experience skiing the area. Also be sure to check avalanche conditions and the weather forecast and know how to use your avalanche and touring gear before you go. To access the backcountry from the resort, you can either purchase a one-ride lift ticket or follow the recommended uphill routes outside the resort boundary (note if you are skiing/riding down after operational hours you are required to take the ascent route down.) Whitewater also offers avalanche programs and backcountry touring clinics all season long if you miss Cold Smoke and still want to brush up on your skills. Other Whitewater Backcountry Resources: http://www.skiwhitewater.com/backcountry.php http://backcountryskiingcanada.com/whitewater www.avalanche.ca/cac
GETTING THERE: From Spokane, head north on Division St. to the “Y” and take the Newport Hwy about 28 miles to Hwy 211. Continue on #211 for about 15 miles to the junction with Hwy 20 at Usk. Head north on Hwy 20, which becomes Hwy 31 after Tiger, and continue on to the border. Don’t forget your passport or enhanced ID. Cross the border and continue on Hwy 6, turning left onto Hwy 6/Hwy3 at the junction, then right (north) onto Hwy 6 at the next junction, which you follow the next couple dozen kilometers or so to Whitewater Resort or Nelson. //
Book Reviews
Faith of Cranes: Finding Hope and Family in Alaska Hank Lentfer, Mountaineers , 2011, 174 pages
Snow & Spire: Flights to Winter in the North Cascade Range John Scurlock, Wolverine Publishing, 2011, 192
pages
The perfect mountaineer’s coffee table book only begins to describe John Scurlock’s extraordinary achievement, titled “Snow & Spire: Flights to Winter in the North Cascade Range.” Anyone who has had the good fortune to explore the North Cascades is familiar with a majestic area of awe-inspiring mountains and glaciers. Upon first examination of this artistic wonder, one is drawn to page after page of incredible photographs of beautiful winter scenes in the North Cascades. The photographs were all shot by Scurlock through the ¼ inch plexiglass canopy of a Van’s Aircraft RV-6 home-built airplane. These captured images provide brilliant depictions of spectacular remote mountain landscapes, bringing to mind philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer’s quote, “Photography offers the most complete satisfaction of our curiosity.” The added bonus of this book surfaces when you read the superlative introductory chapters. A masterfully written introduction provides an overview of the North Cascade Range and a history of aerial photography. In his introduction, Scurlock describes winter in the North Cascades as “something primitive, forbidden, inaccessible, yet also profoundly and exquisitely beautiful.” In a chapter titled “The North Cascades Landscape: A Geological Primer,” David Tucker explains that the North Cascade range contains three quarters of all of the glaciers in the contiguous United States, and provides “glorious alpine meadows ringed by waves of jagged glacier-bound peaks stretching to the distant horizon.” A thrilling chapter describes the first, and only, winter ascent of Mount Slesse’s Northeast Buttress, arguably the greatest winter climb to date in the range. In 1986, on their fifth attempt, Jim Nelson and Kit Lewis spent eight days ascending ice and rime-caked steep rock. Lowell Skoog, based on a lifetime of experience and research, provides a fascinating and detailed history of winter climbing and ski mountaineering in the North Cascades in an essay titled, “Burglars in a Crystal Fortress.” Scurlock summarizes his creation thus, “It’s my great privilege to share these visions with you, and it’s my earnest hope that you will see yourself sitting beside me in my airplane, marveling at the snowy mountainscape stretching before us, knowing in your hearts how fortunate we truly are.” Peter G. Williams
There are many folks like Hank Lentfer in the Inland Northwest—people passionate about the outdoors, who care about conserving natural resources and protecting wildlife. Which makes reading his memoir a bit like reading about a friend, or maybe even one’s self. If one was been born and raised in Alaska, traveled to South America after high school, attended Evergreen State College, then worked as a biologist for Glacier Bay National Park, homesteaded in Gustavus, became an environmental activist and politically involved before becoming disillusioned.
Lentfer’s book haunted me, in a good way, during the between times when I wasn’t reading it. Written with a lyrical style that includes vivid imagery and poignant phrasing, Lentfer’s book haunted me, in a good way, during the between times when I wasn’t reading it. I ruminated on his ideas—about his intense commitment to his Alaskan community, the ritual crane migration over his house, his ambivalence about marriage and subsequently fatherhood. He describes events and other people with acute sensitivity and honest reflection. But, ultimately, his memoir is not so much a recollection about specific, life-changing events. Rather, it is how these events mold his current philosophy about family and parenting, about loving others and relating to the natural world, about belonging and commitment to place. While some personal, life-spanning memoirs hinge on one or two significant events—and often include anecdotes that aren’t too interesting—Lentfer’s book isn’t like that. His story is a gradual unfolding of how he became who he is today—the subtitle tells it straight. Although there are some pivotal events that impact his life’s trajectory, his story focuses more on how his past decisions and actions, and how his friends and family, have all influenced his personal transformation through the years. While some passages are overwritten—when a simple verb could replace five or more adjectives and nouns—Lentfer, for the most part, is plain spoken in an artful, beautifully descriptive way. And you really get to know him from this book. He’s the calm, hard-working, expert outdoorsman you want with you on a backcountry trip; the good neighbor that shovels snow from your driveway. And that’s probably why I was somewhat sad when I finished reading this book. // Stan Miller
January 2013
/ Out There Monthly
9
Big Blue...
Photo of the Month
Dave Jackson
Bigger, Better, Blue-er... So you can recycle more!
TalkTrashSpokane.com Recycling Hot Line 625-6800
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Roadtrip DJ: January Sarah hauge “TENUOUSNESS” / ANDREW BIRD / NOBLE BEAST Ease into the new year with the beautiful orchestrations of proficient whistler Andrew Bird. With its layers of plucky strings, eerie whistles, and driving beat, it’s the perfect road trip kickoff.
As a Spokane County business, school or institution, you can reduce your disposal costs and increase your recycling with a professional solid waste assessment. Assessments are completely free of charge and conducted by Pacific Materials Exchange, in partnership with the Spokane Regional Solid Waste System. Call 625-6536 for further information or to schedule a free consultation.
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Out There Monthly / January 2013
“DOG PROBLEMS” / THE FORMAT / DOG PROBLEMS This over-the-top song is just plain fun—fitting for the band of former fun. frontman Nate Ruess. Their signature Queen-esque vibe and instrumentation like looping clarinets and sliding brass are paired with lyrics like “I’m at a loss, you were my tangerine, my pussycat, my trampoline.” (Kids will love this one too, but note some potentially inappropriate language.) “GIRL” / THE BEATLES / RUBBER SOUL About the bad seed you just can’t help loving. Whether or not you relate to the lyrics, get lost in thought with this mellow not-so-famous Beatles track off Rubber Soul, which pleasantly surprises by getting all oompah-y at the end. “HELENA” / NICKEL CREEK / WHY SHOULD THE FIRE DIE? A love rant that starts small, builds slow, and ends huge. Driving strings (guitar, mandolin, and fiddle all anchored by cello) provide more than enough support for the stinging, addictive vocals. “INTERVENTION” / ARCADE FIRE / NEON BIBLE Complex instrumentation (including pipe organ and xylophone) and lyrics that tell a sad story offset by a pulsing beat and catchy melody make this song one you can—and should—listen to again on again. //
What’s Your Gear: Jeff Everett (winter bike commuting)
Photo Shaun Cammack.
“I like the early mornings in my neighborhood after a fresh snow early in the season,” says year-round cyclist Jeff Everett, age 40. “My typical route is four miles each way…It’s tough finding a route you are comfortable with when riding during the snow months. You can either take the plowed route with all the other morning traffic, or you can take the traffic free route that will probably be a lot tougher riding, but less likely to put you under a car.” Originally from Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Jeff has lived in Spokane since 2007—the same year he founded FBC Spokane, a cycling club that organizes monthly full moon group rides. (The next one is January 27.) Club membership over the past couple of years has grown to average 125 riders.
Currently, he works as a graphic designer at MagnerSanborn in downtown Spokane. “We have a baby boy now, so most mornings I drive him to in-home daycare, but I park at their house and bike to work,” he says. “There are rare other times when I take the bus, but it’s not so much the weather as it is me being old and having occasional lower back pain.” His advice for anyone thinking about winter bike commuting: “Don’t worry about it. Just go do it…you have enough gear to keep you warm when you ski or walk the dog—riding your bike is just the same…You don’t need a ton of fancy bike-specific gear.” But there are some important essentials. “If you plan to see a lot of ice, I suggest studded tires,” says Jeff, “but most likely you could get by with some fat knobbies. And for crap sake, get some fenders. As far as what to wear, I try to imagine what I would wear for a typical day of shoveling snow, then add an additional layer to my bag.” In regards to skills and safety advice, he says, “Take it easy until you get the hang of trying to turn on snow and ice. Make a few emergency stops when it’s not really an emergency just to get the hang of how the bike will react.” -----------------------------------------------------BIKE: 2006 Bianchi Volpe. -----------------------------------------------------TIRES: Kenda 700x35 Studded (winter); Continental Borough 700x32 (summer). -----------------------------------------------------FENDERS: Planet Bike 700c Hardcore Fender 35mm—an old version, used year-round.
By Amy Silbernagel McCaffree
-----------------------------------------------------PEDALS: BMX platform pedals. “[I use these] year-round, but they started out as a winter boot solution.” -----------------------------------------------------BIKE MODIFICATIONS: “Pretty much everything on the bike is a modification from the original. I switched the brifters for traditional brake levers that are more comfortable, and moved the shifting to the bar ends. That also allowed me to reroute all the cabling to give a cleaner look, and
Most likely you could get by with some fat knobbies. And for crap sake, get some fenders. make room for a potential front rack and bag.” -----------------------------------------------------HELMET: “Bern Brentwood with inserts removed to accommodate tuque.” -----------------------------------------------------SHOES: old Land’s End® boots (winter); Adidas Samba (summer). -----------------------------------------------------LIGHTS: Cygolite Expilion 600 USB headlight; Planet Bike Superflash tail light. -----------------------------------------------------BIKE LOCK: “If I spend more time on the bike than off, I take a Kryptonite Hardwire. If I’m going to be away from the bike for a while, it’s the Kryptonite NY Fahgettaboudit Chain with
Masterlock High Security Padlock.” -----------------------------------------------------GLOVES: “Surprisingly, the best super cold weather gloves I have are generic $2.00 Wal-Mart specials that my mother-in-law gave me. Below 20º I add my Black Diamond fleece liners.” -----------------------------------------------------CLOTHING: “Down to 30º and clear, it’s a generic fleece jacket that I’ve had for a few years, Black Diamond fleece gloves, SmartWool socks, and my favorite Elephant Bikes branded tuque. Below 30º, I just start adding layers like Bellwether Windfront Tights and wool sweaters. Probably a scarf, too. I also have a pretty rad Marmot 3-in-1 jacket and ski pants for the crazy cold/potentially long exposure times.” -----------------------------------------------------BAG: “I carry a 2006 Chrome Citizen Buckle Bag. I don’t have a rack system on the bike, which takes a little extra time when determining the important things to carry. Totally worth it when I start mashing up the South Hill at the end of the day.” -----------------------------------------------------BIKE ACCESSORIES: Tool kit—“A really old high-volume pump, a Topeak McGuyver MultiTool (I don’t think they make this one anymore), a short Stanley crescent wrench with the fat plastic handle cut off so it’s smaller, some tire levers, patch kit, tube, electrical tape and zip ties.” -----------------------------------------------------OTHER ESSENTIAL GEAR FOR WINTER: “A very compact rain pant if there is a threat of freezing rain. I keep a few of those chemical hand warmers in my bag just in case. A beard is also incredibly handy.” //
Don’t forget - January is Learn To Ski and Snowboard Month. And Schweitzer Mountain Resort is here to help! We’ll give you a lesson, a beginner hill ticket, and rental gear that will change your life forever. All for only $39!
schweitzer.com | 877.487.4643 January 2013
/ Out There Monthly
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Health andFitness Revenge of the super-bug
What not to give and receive: MRSA / By Dr. Bob Lutz
Special Opening Night Event!
February 1 · Bing Crosby Theatre · 9pm Director Brian Young will introduce his film, The Mountain Runners (above), with live discussion after the screening. See it at SpIFF! The Mountain Runners is based on the true story of the Mount Baker Marathon races that took place from 1911 through 1913 and are widely thought to be the first adventure races ever held in the United States. The races would pit modified Model A cars against a special train and amateur runners against the slopes of Mount Baker.
l A v i t s e F l A u n n A h FiF teent
0 1 – 1 y r a u Febr
What do large households, living near a CAFO (concentrated animal feed operation), visiting a hospital, and being an athlete all have in common (hint: it’s health-related)? Would you guess they’re all risk factors for MRSA infections? What’s MRSA? And what does MRSA have to do with the holidays anyway? MRSA—also known as methicillin-resistant staph aureus—has all-too quickly become part of the nonmedical vernacular. While staph aureus has been a common cause for skin infections for years, MRSA, and specifically CA-MRSA (CA stands for ‘community acquired’) was only identified in the 1990s. There’s little doubt the overuse of antibiotics contributed to its sudden appearance. When antibiotics are inappropriately used for colds and other viral infections, as well as when they’re appropriately prescribed but not completed, “super-bugs” develop because selective pressure ensures only the strongest will survive. Even though there are a number of risk factors, such as the ones mentioned earlier, the reality is that nobody is truly immune. Various studies have suggested that some populations may have a colonization rate (meaning staph hangs out without causing infections) as high as 30 percent, so given the right (or wrong) collection of risk factors, a skin infection may be caused by CA-MRSA. But not all skin infections are caused by CA-MRSA strains. So what’s a person to do? First of all, don’t fall for the marketing spiel that hand-gels will prevent you from getting sick. They’re no more effective than hand washing with soap and water; alcohol-based gels need to be used for 15-20 seconds to be effective, and are essentially ineffective once the alcohol has dried; and those with triclosan are of questionable benefit against MRSA. More concerning, given selective pressure, the overuse of gels and “antibacterial soaps” may increase the likelihood for more aggressive infections. This isn’t to say that hand-washing and good hygiene aren’t important; quite the opposite. They’re the mainstay to prevention. But in our well-meaning efforts to sterilize our environments, we may be doing more harm than good at many levels and creating a false sense of security. CA-MRSA skin infections most often start as a pimple (papule) that quickly goes bad. A surrounding area of redness and tenderness is common. While they’ll most commonly develop below the waist, they can occur anywhere. Their hallmark is that what may have appeared as a ‘nothing’ quickly becomes a ‘something’ within a day or two. Thankfully, antibiotics remain the mainstay of treatment, and there are a number of inexpensive options still effective. If, however, the lesion(s) are
large and/or deep, more aggressive treatment, such as local surgical drainage, may be required. The only way to definitively know whether or not it’s CA-MRSA is to have a wound culture performed. Antibiotics will commonly be started that cover CA-MRSA, pending culture results that may take a few days. Treatment may change if the culture is negative. If initiated, antibiotics need to be completed; otherwise, the infection may return and could be resistant to the previous antibiotic used. Infected individuals don’t need to be quarantined, but they shouldn’t share personal items that could be contaminated. These should either be thrown away, or cleaned with diluted bleach solutions or commercial disinfectants, such as those with iodine or chlorhexadine gluconate (CHG). What about eradicating CA-MRSA colonization? While the idea sounds good, it’s a lot harder than you might think, and studies haven’t found it effective for everyone. Rather, a more conservative approach may be warranted, such as limiting efforts to only those with multiple documented CA-MRSA infections. In these situations, they, as well as close contacts, are treated using topical antibiotic ointments or creams applied to the colonized areas for a few days. More generally, antibacterial body washes are done and repeated for
CA-MRSA skin infections most often start as a pimple that quickly goes bad. days or even weeks. While pets have been implicated in some recurrent infections, there’s no evidence yet that eradication works for them. So while this may be the gift-giving season, CA-MRSA is neither something you want to give nor receive. Prevention is key. If you have a cut or abrasion, keep it clean and covered. Hand-wash with plain soap and water for at least 20 seconds (about the time needed to sing a chorus of “Happy Birthday”), and then towel dry to further remove germs (or use a hand-dryer). If you don’t have access to soap and water, use an alcohol-based gel (minimum of 60% alcohol) for 15-20 seconds—but remember that its effectiveness is shortlived. Don’t waste your money on “antibacterial” soaps or those with triclosan. Many hospitals use either an iodine-based solution or one with CHG. And just as important to remember: it’s impossible to sterilize yourself and your environment, so learning to live with your “microbiome” is the most effective way to be out there and be healthy. //
Jan. 26 5k Frostbite
Feb. 10 Partners in Pain
more info at
www.spokanefilmfestival.org TickeTS · ScheDUle · filM DeTAilS 12
Out There Monthly / January 2013
www.runnersoul.com Spokane's only running specialty store.
221 N. Wall St. 509.624.7654
Bring in the New Year on a bike
Everyday Cyclist A Bike Shop Where you do the work Winter A Great time For Pedals2People / By Hank Greer Winter brings a lull in the cycling season for many people and understandably so. Riding in the dark or on icy, snow-covered roads can be daunting. Nobody says you have to ride year round, but just because you’re not riding doesn’t mean you should forget about your bike. After all the use it had over the year, does it need some work? Is one of your brake cables frayed? Is the rear derailleur not shifting correctly? Are the brake pads worn down? Do your wheels need to be trued? Are you ready to do something about
replacing the bike or buying a new set of wheels. During my last visit, Keane Sweet stopped by the shop to replace the seat that had been stolen from his bike. His bike is his primary means of transportation and it’s rather difficult and awkward to ride for any length of time without being able to sit down. David helped him determine what size diameter seat post the bike had and Keane fished through parts until he found what he needed. His total cost was about ten dollars. Not only can you benefit from the knowledge
At p2p. // Photo Hank Greer.
* Elk Vin
tage Cru February iser Ride * 3, 3PM
HEARD LOUD AND PROUD ON 88.1FM that squeaking noise that drives everyone else insane? And now the big question. Would you like to do it yourself or learn how to? If you answered yes to the last question, then you and your bike should visit Pedals2People (www.pedals2people.org). Located at 1527 East 16th Avenue, Pedals2People (P2P) is a nonprofit organization on a mission to get people riding bicycles. One way they do this is through their shop, where for only $7.50 an hour you can put your bike in a stand and have all the tools you need to work on it at your disposal. Volunteers are there to guide you if you need help with anything. They are not there to do the work for you, but they are more than happy to show you what tool you need for the task at hand and how to use it. If you are, like me, pretty much clueless to doing anything more than fixing a flat, they will simply spend more time with you. They have no problem spending twenty minutes helping you with something they could do in five. After all, what better way to empower you than for you to learn how to work on your bike yourself. And if you need parts, the shop also has all kinds of reasonably priced replacement parts on hand. Some are new but most are used yet still useful. My experience with the shop has been great. Three years ago, one of my sons paid $35 for an old Schwinn Varsity 10-speed that he wanted to turn into a fixed gear bike. I took him to P2P where a volunteer showed him what tools he needed and coached him through removing the flywheel from the rear wheel. After that, he was able to install the new parts on his own at home. The use of the shop and tools cost him a couple of bucks since he was done in 30 minutes. Today he uses that bike to get around the University of Washington campus. Last summer, someone stole the wheels from my brother’s bike, which happens to be his primary means of transportation. David Jones, a volunteer at the P2P shop, helped me gather and assemble all the parts I needed for a complete set of wheels. The total cost to get my brother rolling again was $50, a bargain when you consider
and skills of the volunteers and use the tools in the shop to work on your bike, you can also take it a step further. You can become a greater part of the cycling community you already belong to
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They have no problem spending twenty minutes helping you with something they could do in five. as a P2P volunteer. Along with contributing to the cycling community and experiencing the feeling of making a difference—that’s how they felt when they were helping you—volunteering at P2P can earn you credit towards shop time and purchases. Do you have to be a bike mechanic to volunteer? Not at all. Volunteers also help keep the shop clean, make monthly hauls to recycle scrap metal, do weekly data entry, construct bucket panniers, and—what I find to be the most fun of all—tune up, repair, and service bikes at neighborhood festivals. P2P has held free bike tune ups in Hillyard, West Central, South Perry, and other neighborhoods over the past few years. Almost every time the P2P area has been swamped with bikes. You’re busy even if your only skill is checking bikes in and out or patching a flat tire. The reward is the many smiles and from kids thrilled that their bikes are road worthy again. This time of year is perfect to start on or expand upon your bike mechanic skills because like most bike shops, it’s pretty quiet at P2P during the winter. So stop by and get a taste of empowerment. Your future may include fixing a neighbor’s bike, patching tubes at a neighborhood festival, or helping someone build a bike at P2P. But for right now, let’s do something about that squeaking. //
ELEPHANT BIKES
elephantbikes.com January 2013
/ Out There Monthly
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Outdoor Calendar CLIMBING (Ongoing) Vertical Introduction. When: Tuesdays
and Thursdays 6 – 8, Saturdays 4 – 6 PM. Where: Wild Walls 202 W. 2nd Ave. In this class you will learn the fundamentals to climb indoors: fitting the harness, knot tying, and proper belay technique. This class (or previous experience and passing our belay test) is a prerequisite for top roping in our facility. The 2-hour class includes equipment, One 2-hour session, 1 week membership and more. Ages 12+, $35. Info: 509-455-9596.
(Ongoing) Introduction to Lead Climbing. When:
Last two Tuesdays of the Month 4 -6 PM. Where: Wild Walls 202 W. 2nd Ave. For climbers looking to further their climbing ability and increase the options available to them, our lead climbing class will prepare you for the world of sport climbing! With an emphasis on safety, you will learn proper technique for both lead belaying and lead climbing, as well as helpful strategies for efficient sport climbing. This class is ideal for those looking to prepare themselves for outdoor climbing in a safer, more controlled environment. Minimum class size of four people, Experience required, $75. Info: 509-455-9596
(Ongoing Mondays & Wednesdays) Spider Monkeys Climbing Club. When: 5 – 7 PM. Where:
Wild Walls, 202 W. 2nd Ave. For kids ages 4 – 10 years. Please call ahead. Come climb and meet new friends! Info: 509-455-9596.
(January 8 & 24) Discover Rock Class. When:
6 - 8 PM. Where: Mt. Gear 2002 N. 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. $20. Info: 509-455-9596.
CYCLING (Ongoing) WOW Cycling Spokane. WOW is excited that Fall is here! Check our FaceBook page for upcoming rides and activities! Tailwinds to you! Info: 509-951-6366, wowcycling.com
(Ongoing) Belles and Baskets. Whatever style
your cycle, join other Spokane women for no-drop rides, treats, and friendship. Info: 509-951-4090, facebook.com/bellesandbaskets.
(February 2) Murmelteirtaggelanderfahrradsfest. When: 10:00am. Where: Christmas Hills Recreation Area, St. Maries, ID. A cross country mountain bike race and derby on snow-packed trails. Lunch included, pre-registration $25.00, Sunday fun rides. Info: 208-582-0520, tommillermn@hotmail.com
SNOWSHOEING (January 26) $5 24hr Snowshoe Rental Day. When: All-day. Where: Mountain Gear. Rent a pair of new Atlas 10 Series snowshoes for 24 hrs for only $5. First come first served starting at 10:00am Saturday January 26. Spend the day strolling around all those places that are covered deep in snow and see what you have been missing all winter long. Take some food & drink and make a day of it enjoying the solitude of a winter day in the woods. Info: Call Mountain Gear: 509-455-9596. 14
Out There Monthly / January 2013
(February 2) Schweitzer Snowshoe Stampede Race. A snowshoe race on the Nordic trails. Info:
schweitzer.com
ALPINE SKIING, NORDIC SKIING (January-March) Nordic Kids. Nordic Ski Lessons
Submit your event at www.outtheremonthly.com (February 3) Souper Bowl Sunday Snowshoe and X-Country Ski. When: 9:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Where:
Mt. Spokane Nordic Area. Calling All Women for the 8th Annual event to benefit Women’s and Children’s Free Restaurant. Snowshoe, x-country ski, great “souper” lunch. Info: 509.869.4136, souperbowlspokane.org.
for Kids. Info: spokanenordic.org
ICE SKATING
(January 9) Intro to Backcountry Skiing. When:
(Ongoing) Riverfront Park Ice Palace. When: Tue-
6:30 PM. Where: TBA. Learn what it takes to explore beyond the boundaries of the local ski hills with this introductory course on backcountry skiing. Info: 509-998-3015, ski_lead@spokanemountaineers.org
(January9-10) Level I Avalanche Class. When: 5:30 PM. Where: Mt. Gear/Silver Mt. This 28-hour course is geared towards ski patrol, search & rescue and backcountry skiers and snowboarders. Participants should be intermediate skiers/ snowboarders, all participants will be required to carry an avalanche transceiver, shovel,& probe for the field portion of this class. Transceivers for the field portion of this class all need to be multiantenna transceivers. Classroom sessions will be at Mountain Gear 11/28, 12/5 & 12/12 from 5:3010:00pm. On snow sessions will be at Silver Mt Resort 1/26 & 1/27. $175. Info: Arch Harrison at catandem@comcast.net or 509-998-9384 to register for this class. (January 12) Winterfest. When: All Day. Where:
49 Degrees North. Celebrate Nordic Skiing & Snowshoeing at 49 Degrees North on January 12Th. Enjoy free trail fees and free rental of snowshoes & cross country gear, to get out and enjoy a new way to beat cabin fever. Turn off your TV and cell phone and come outside with us for a great day on the snow. Free. Info: Call Mountain Gear: 509-455-9596.
(January 20) $5 24hr Cross Country Rental Day. When: All-day. Where: Mountain Gear. We will set you up with an entire cross country ski package for 24 hrs for only $5. First come first served starting at 11:00am Sunday Jan 20. Don’t miss this chance to try a new winter sport or revisit one from years gone by. Who doesn’t need a little break in the middle of a busy season to get out and enjoy what winter has to offer. Info: Call Mountain Gear: 509455-9596.
(January 25) Schweitzer Junior Race Series. This race series will provide a low-cost ski racing opportunity for both experienced and new racers ages 6-16. Racers will meet at 5:30 PM on Friday, January 4th, for the first session. Info: schweitzer. com.
Sun 11 AM - 5 PM; Tue-Thurs 7 PM - 8:30 PM; Fri and Sat 7 PM - 10 PM. Where: 507 N. Howard
St. Riverfront Park’s Ice Palace covered outdoor rink invites you to enjoy the best of winter and the best of Spokane. With over 750 pairs of skates, the most public skating, indoor seating and just plain fun, the Ice Palace is a great family or date activity. Info: 509-625-6601
CURLING (January 6-February 25) Curling League. When: 6 – 10 PM. Where: Riverfront Park Ice Palace. Co-ed recreational curling: Join the Lilac City Curling Club in their inaugural curling league. Open to
SIXMONTHTRAININGCALENDAR CYCLING
(September 7) Lake Chelan Marathon, HalfMarathon, 10K. Info: http://lakechelanmarathon. com/
(March 10) Gran Fondo Ephrata. 78 miles of paved and gravel roads. Info: rideviciouscycle. com
SKIING
(April 2012 - August 2012) Baddlands Cooper Jones Twilight Series Races. When: Tuesday
(Ongoing Friday Nights starting in February) Schweitzer Starlight Race Series. 21 and over
evenings at 6 PM. Where: Cheney, Spokane, Rathdrum, Liberty Lake, Steptoe Butte. USAC Sanctioned bicycle racing. Road races and crits. A, B, C, and Wms Packs. Info: 509-456-0432, baddlands.org.
only. Info: schweitzer.com
RUNNING
(February 23 & 24) Group Health/Providence Health Care Challenge. This Nordic ski race is
(April 21) The Spokane River Run. When: 7:45am/8:30am/9:40am/10:15am. Where: Riverside State Park. Single track trail w/some wide paths: 100% dirt trail; Some rocks, roots and mud; No asphalt. Finish next to Spokane River. Info: www.spokaneriverrun.com (May 5) Lilac Bloomsday Run, the 36th. Info:
www.bloomsdayrun.org
(June 1) Red Devil Challenge, Cashmere, Wash. Info: http://www.runwenatchee.com/
(February 10) Langlauf 10K Ski Race 35th Annual XC Ski race at Mt. Spokane. Info: spokanelanglauf.org
a Junior National Qualifier for teen athletes with a simultaneous race that is open to the general public. Info: spokanenordic.org
(February 22) 49º North – Toyota Ski Free Friday. When: all day. Where 49º North Mountain
Resort. Info: ski49.com.
TRIATHALON / MULTI-SPORT / ADVENTURE RACING (March 3) Lost River Winter Triathlon. A tri-
(July 20)Schweitzer Mountain Trail Run, Schweitzer Mountain Resort. Info: www. smtrailrun.com
athlon Methow Valley Style! 11 km cross country ski, 17 km bike and 7.5 km run makes it the perfect winter sport completion! Info: lostriverwintertriathlon.blogspot.com
(September 21)River Run Half-Marathon, 10K, 5K, Wenatchee, Wash. Info: http://www.run-
(April 14) Rage In The Sage Mountain Bike Duathlon. Run 2.5 miles, Bike 10 miles, Run 2.5
wenatchee.com/
miles. Info: 3rrr.org.
(November 28) Turkey on the Run, Wenatchee, Wash. Info: http://www.runwenatchee.com/
(May 18) 33rd Annual Troika Triathlon. Swim
Marathons (May 11) Sunflower Relay and Trail Marathon.
- 1.2 Miles \ Bike - 56 Miles \ Run - 13.1 Miles. Info: troikatriathlon.com
EVENTS
(January 25-26) Intro to Avalanche Safety. When: 6PM. Where: TBA. Learn the basics of traveling safely in avalanche terrain. Info: 509-230-3909, ski_lead@spokanemountaineers.org, www.spokanemountaineers.org.
Info: mvsta.com
(February 23) Polar Plunge, Liberty Lake. Info:
(May 19, 2013) Windermere Marathon, Spokane. Info: windermeremarathon.com.
(March 8-9). Superhuman Live. Personal trainer/
(January 26) Methow Valley Pursuit & Nordic Festival. A variety of Nordic ski events. Info:
cdamarathon.com, 509-979-4370.
mvsta.com/methowpursuit
(February 3) Chicks on Sticks. 8km ski event.
Proceeds donated to The Wellness Place in Wenatchee. Info:skileavenworth.com
(May 26, 2012) Coeur d’Alene Marathon. Info:
www.SpecialOlympicsWashington.org
author, Ben Greenfield, is hosting a conference. Info: superhumancoach.com //
Have an Event You Would Like to List? // Please visit www.outtheremonthly.com and click the “Submit Your Event” link. // Events MUST be sent in by the 20th of the month to be listed in the following month’s issue. Please follow the when, where format as seen in the calendar. Ongoing events need to be re-submitted each month.
Outdoor Calendar
RUNNING/WALKING (Ongoing) Fat Ass Trail Runs. When: Varies. Where: Washington/Idaho. We meet 1-2 times per month for a trail run. FAT ASS is the name given to a series of low key runs that are frequented by experienced runners & walkers and characterised by the phrase “No Fees, No Awards, No Aid, No Wimps”. Yes, the runs are totally free to enter and are put on by passionate runners who are also running. Think of it as a bit like meeting some people for a bushwalk - except it’s a run. Info: 208-4572726, facebook.com/TrailManiacs
MULTISPORT (January 19) Come Try Biathlon. When: 11 AM –
1 PM. Where: Mazama Biathlon Range – Methow Valley. MVB hosts any person 9 and older to try the Olympic sport of Biathlon. Methow Valley Biathlon Team shares equipment, history, training and safety of the sport before participants take turns shooting at targets and skiing a short and easy biathlon course. No previous experience in biathlon required and no advance registration required. First come, first shoot. This is a fundraiser for the Methow Valley Biathlon Team. Location: Mazama Biathlon Range, 1.5 km east of Corral trailhead; participants must ski out to the range. Cost: $20 donation to cover cost of ammunition and assist MVB’s mission. Info: mvsta.com
YOGA (Ongoing Mondays) Flow Yoga When: 7:15 – 8:30 PM. Where Wild Walls Climbing Gym 202 W. Second Ave. Info: 509-455-9596, wildwalls.com
(Ongoing Wednesdays) Intro to Yoga When: 7:15 – 8:15 PM. Where Wild Walls Climbing Gym 202
(Jan 7 - March 1) Iyengar Yoga Classes. When: Mon. 9:30, Tues and Thurs at 6pm. Where: Sunflower Yoga. Learn the various practices of Iyengar yoga taught with precision and alignment in a small class setting with abundant individual attention. Info: 509-535-7369, www.sunfloweryoga.net
EVENTS/MOVIES/MISC… (Ongoing) Spokane Table Tennis Club. When: 7:00pm to 9:30pm on Mondays & Wednesdays. Where: North Park Racquet Club at 8121 N. Division. The cost for non-raquet club members to play table tennis is $2.00/visit. There is no cost to join STT. The STT web site is being updated and social media such as Facebook also have the latest photos and information on past as well as future achievements. Info: trevwest@msn.com; or lisahagel06@yahoo.com (January 5 & 6) Health and Beauty Show. When 11 AM – 6 PM & 12 – 5 PM. Where: Spokane Community College Lair. Each year the
(January 9) Sullivan Road Bridge Replacement Project Community Meeting. When: 4:00-7:00pm.
Where: 2426 N. Discovery Place. This community meeting will be held to review updates on the bridge design, information on projects to retrofit storm drains on the existing bridges and resurface Sullivan Road from Flora Pit Road to Trent Avenue; and to ask for support in requesting assistance from the state legislature for Bridge Replacement Project funding. Info: Craig Aldworth, Project Manager at, caldworth@spokanevalley.org or 720-5001.
(January 12, 2013) Hearing Loss Association Meeting. When: 9:30-11:30 AM. Where: 1206 N.
Howard (& Boone). A fully-accessible meeting welcoming anybody who’s been socially frustrated because of hearing loss. We share solutions in the round. Join us! Info: (509) 329-8196, www.hearingloss.org
(Janaury 24-27) Inland Northwest Motorcycle Show. When: Th. noon-8p, Fr & Sat 10a-8p, Sun
10a-4p. Where: Spokane County Fair and Expo Center. 25th Annual Inland Northwest RV Show, Jan 24-27, 2013. Bourse through millions of dollars of motorhome, travel trailers, fifth wheels, campers and accessories. Info: 509-466-4256, steve@delcreek.com
(January 30) Backcountry Film Festival. When: Doors open at 6 PM, Films start at 7 PM. Where: Gonzaga University’s Jepson Center, Wolff Auditorium. 502 East Boone Ave., Spokane. Winter Wildlands Alliance 8th Annual Backcountry Film Festival. Also Door Prizes and Raffle. Proceeds benefit Inland Northwest Backcountry Alliance and the Gonzaga Outdoor Program. Info: 509 624-7120, http://ibackcountry.org/2012/11/14/ backcountr y-film-festival-in-spokane-wedjan-30-2013/
Sustainable Living Calendar (January 5) Environmental Priorities Coalition Legislative Workshop. When: 1-5pm. Where:
Museum of Art and Culture (MAC)- 2316 West 1st Ave, Spokane. Connect you with your legislators and connect Olympia with eastern Washington; Senator Billig, Representative Ormsby, and Representative Riccelli are all confirmed to attend. Cost: $10 for Adults, Free for Students . MC: Mike Petersen, The Lands Council and Amber Waldref, Spokane City Councilmember. Info: www.environmentalpriorities.org.
(January 5) Winemaking 101 Workshop. When:
2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Where: Sun People Dry Goods Co, 32 W 2nd Ave, Ste. 200. Learn the basics of how fermentation works, how to keep your wine from going bad and the basic process for making wine. $15. Preregister online. Info: 509-368-9378, www.sunpeopledrygoods.com
(January 10) Ancestral Wellness 90-day series.
30544 Highway 200 Ponderay. Informational meeting presented by doctor, Volney Willett, MD, Suzanne Kaplan. Blending the wisdom of our ancient ancestors with our modern nutritional sciences to optimize wellness. Info: 208 627-9816, www.facebook.com/ancestralwellness
(January 10) Kombucha Tea Making Workshop. When: 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Where: Sun People Dry Goods Co, 32 W 2nd Ave, Ste. 200. Learn how to make Kombucha, a sugar-sweetened tea fermented by a colony of organisms, into a tonic beverage beneficial for health. $15 Preregister online. Info: 509-368-9378, www.sunpeopledrygoods.com
(January 10) Thursday Night at the Movies: Poisoned Waters. When: 7p.m.-9 p.m. Where:
Indaba Coffee Bar, 1425 W. Broadway, Spokane. Who is polluting America’s waterways? What can we do? After the movie we’ll discuss cleaning up PCBs polluting the Spokane River. Info: 509.939-1290, Washington.SierraClub.org/uppercol/movies
(January 11-12) Soapmaking 101 Workshop. When: Friday, January 11th from 3:30 to 6:00 p.m. and Saturday, January 12th from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Where: Sun People Dry Goods Co, 32 W 2nd Ave, Ste. 200. 2 day workshop. Make and take 2 1/2 lbs. of soap using organic oils of palm, coconut, olive, and essential oils. $55. Preregister online. Info: 509-368-9378, www.sunpeopledrygoods.com (January 15) BALLE Webinar Series:Revolving Loan Fund Supporting Local Businesses Through Unaccredited Investors. When: 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Where: Sun People Dry Goods Co, 32 W 2nd Ave, Ste. 200. How a nonprofit developed a loan fund that is open to unaccredited investors and will fund small businesses particularly underserved low-income. FREE. Info: 509-368-9378, www.sunpeopledrygoods.com
(January 17) Film Showing of “180° South: Conquerors of the Useless”. When: 4:00 p.m. Where:: Sun People Dry Goods Co, 32 W 2nd Ave, Ste. 200. FREE. This film follows Jeff Johnson as he retraces the epic 1968 journey of his heroes Yvon Chouinard and Doug Tompkins to Patagonia. Info: 509-368-9378, www.sunpeopledrygoods.com
(January 19) Fermentation 101 Workshop. When:
3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Where: Sun People Dry Goods Co, 32 W 2nd Ave, Ste. 200. $15 Preregister online. Make your own delicious Sauerkraut at a hands-on workshop with Wakan Burrows. It’s an easy, fun, connective process! Info: 509-368-9378, www.sunpeopledrygoods.com
(January 24) DIY Deodorant Making Workshop. When: 4:30 to 5:30 PM. Where: Sun People Dry Goods Co, 32 W 2nd Ave, Ste. 200. $10 Preregister online. Learn how easy it is to mix up your own batch of chemical-free, effective, and thrifty deodorant. Info: 509-368-9378, www.sunpeopledrygoods.com
OUTDOOR CALENDAR
W. Second Ave. Info: 509-455-9596, wildwalls. com
health*beauty spa show brings the cutting edge of health and wellness technology to the average consumer. In addition to offering traditionally beneficial stress-busting and immune-boosting spa treatments like massage, The health*beauty spa show brings bite sized sample therapies and treatments to consumers at the same $5 price point from all participating salons and spas. Info: healthbeautyshow.com.
JAN 2013
curlers of all ages and experience (or inexperience) levels, this will give curlers and wanna-be’s the chance to learn and hone their skills. The club will supply stones and sheets. Team of 4+ players, Ages 16+, $650 per team. Info: lilaccitycurling@ gmail.com, spokaneparks.org
(January 26) Introduction to Herbal Medicine Workshop. When: 1:00 to 3:00p.m. Where: Sun
People Dry Goods Co, 32 W 2nd Ave, Ste. 200. $15. Preregister online. This class will demystify herbal terminology and different healing philosophies and supply you with handy herbal tips and recipes. Info: 509-368-9378, www.sunpeopledrygoods.com //
When: 5:30pm. Where: Woodlands Family Medicine January 2013
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Schweitzer terrain park wall feature. // photo courtesy schweitzer.
Terrific Terrain
Park Guide
Schweitzer terrain park from above. // photo courtesy schweitzer.
Local mountains push features to the next level
By Brad Naccarato Mt. Spokane Terrain Park. // Photo Courtesy Mt. Spokane.
silver mountain terrain park. // photo doug marshal.
Schweitzer terrain park. // photo brad naccarato.
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Out There Monthly / January 2013
From the earliest days of ski resorts, until only recently, in-bounds “jump features” were strictly prohibited. Their use was exclusively reserved to private long jump, aerial and mogul training courses for Olympic athletes. Any sort of feature that allowed someone’s skis to leave the snow, even if only briefly, was looked upon as an unnecessary liability—a liability that the resorts wanted no part of. Most can still remember back to the ski days of their youth when everyone would seek out those natural “kickers” that formed on the un-groomed side of the runs. Kids would quickly pack surrounding snow over it to create any sort of jump—all in an effort to catch air on their next trip down. They might enjoy a few hits off it, but usually it was knocked down by the ski patrol within an hour. Back then nobody could have imagined the type of jumps, rails, gaps and various ways to catch air that were coming. What was coming...was about to change the industry forever. The emergence of snowboarding throughout the 80’s brought a new edge to the snow sports industry and with it came the freestyle characteristics and attitudes of it’s distant cousins- surfing and skateboarding. As these new “free-riders” were heading up to the mountains, they were looking to push the envelope on snow that had already been surpassed on water and land. During this time skiing as an industry had grown stagnant and a shake up of sorts was needed to save it from sinking. With all of the progressive Mt. Spokane Terrain Park. //
movement toward free-riding, it was no surprise that the same freestyle energy in snowboarding caught fire on the ski side of things, providing a huge boost to the industry as a whole. Major players in the ski retail world were now developing equipment and apparel targeted to freestyle trends. Suddenly it was cool to be a skier again as snowboarding, which had dominated the youth demographic since it’s emergence, was now sharing a seat at the free-ride table with skiing. With both skiers and riders now looking for more free-riding opportunities on the snow, together they created a huge piece of the industry market that the resorts no longer could ignore. Planned patrolled jumps were beginning to emerge in the resorts’ flatter areas and were quickly becoming an increasingly popular method of attracting paying customers to the mountain. What was once frowned upon was now being marketed. It wasn’t soon after, that resorts started competing for the reputation of having the biggest, best, and most amazing array of jumps in the country. As resorts soon found a new and younger audience flocking to their mountains, these jump features grew quickly and evolved becoming both increasingly exciting and riskier. Gap jumps, table tops, and quarter pipes were added to the mix creating what are now known as full-featured terrain parks. Over the last fifteen years, the industry progression has changed the feature line-up somewhat, but many of the staple features of the early parks are still among the most popular. In addition, park designers have experimented
with different feature line-ups over the years, all in an effort to create better park flow for their guests. Catching air is no longer the only hook as many of today’s parks are now host to an array of down-rails and flat-top boxes that skiers and riders slide across as they work their way from the top to the bottom of the park. These features resemble any type of hand rail that you might find at a city park or public building. This urban inspired influence has made a strong impact on today’s park architecture and has created a core group of “jibbers” within the freestyle world who utilize actual urban settings as terrain parks. Park features are generally divided into three categories - Jibs, Jumps, and Verticals. Jibs represent any type of fixture, which can be ridden with the board/skis either parallel or perpendicular to the snow surface, ridden while spinning around on, or ridden and jumped from. These features include rails, flat boxes, and rainbows, to name a few. Jumps in terrain parks can range from five feet to ninety feet and will vary park to park and resort to resort. In contrast to jibs, which are typically manufactured off-site with steel and plastic, jumps are most commonly constructed entirely of snow or snow with a base of dirt. Tricks such as grabs and twists or spins are usually performed while in the air from a jump. Types of jumps in a park may consist of tabletops, gaps, spines, and of course, your standard kickers that started it all. The last group, verticals, describes any sort of downhill trough with vertical lips on each side, resembling half of a cylinder. These features are represented in half pipes and quarter pipes. Today, advancements in snowcat technology, along with the emergence of creative terrain park designers and staff, have given resorts the ability to construct almost any feature imaginable. As this evolving environment has provided resorts with a promising young crowd of patrons, it also has experienced a new set of issues. As the jumps have become bigger and more complex, the potential for injuries has become more serious. As safety issues began to arise, the resorts were forced to lay the groundwork for today’s safety protocols that have helped to ensure that the park is both fun and safe. Today’s terrain parks (in the United States and Canada) have designations with respect to safety similar to standard alpine slopes. They differ in their designation and degrees of difficulty. They are identified with orange ovals to differentiate them from standard slopes, and are further distinguished by large, medium, or small features. While features vary between resorts, commonly small features are short jumps and rails that are at the slope surface. Medium features are 10-to-30foot high jumps along with jibs requiring small jumps to mount. Large features include 30-to90-foot jumps along with complex jibs and large vertical pipes. Perhaps the most significant among recent safety protocols is a program known as “Smart Style.” The National Ski Areas Association developed the “Smart Style” Freestyle Terrain Safety initiative, as a cooperative effort to continue the proper use and progression of freestyle terrain at mountain resorts. It is a safety code that educates park guests about park etiquette, safer techniques, and general safety awareness. Additionally, most parks now employ a full-time staff of park monitors who supervise the guests and maintain the park’s features throughout the day. So while today’s parks may be more challenging then ever, they may also be as safe as they have ever been. We are fortunate to live in a region of the Northwest that has a variety of mountain resorts to choose from. Just as each of the area’s resorts
Early registration through March 31st
has its own personality in terrain and conditions, each has its own terrain park flavor. For those who are looking to scope out the local park scene, the closest terrain park in the Spokane region belongs to Mt. Spokane Ski and Snowboard Park. Mt. Spokane opened this season with twelve features but has plans to add up to as many as thirty features, as snow permits. Early season terrain parks are typically lean at all resorts due to the simple fact that it takes a lot of snow to build many park
Park designers have experimented with different feature line-ups over the years, all in an effort to create better park flow for their guests. features. Rails, flat boxes, tabletops, large kickers, spines are all on the menu for this upcoming season at the resort. “We’ve invested a lot of energy into making this the best season ever at our park. We have a nice variety and flow and the park features are changed up every two weeks or so”, says Kristen Whitaker, Mt. Spokane’s Marketing and Mountain Services Manager. Mt. Spokane employs a group of six full time park employees including Zack Lingo who builds most of the features and is responsible for designing the park’s layout. “We’re very excited about our park staff this season. We’ve got a great crew who is well-versed in freestyle riding, knows how to ride all of the features, and also know how to build features”, says Whitaker. “The best part is they’re very
receptive to our audience and are eager to receive feedback from riders, so that they can make adjustments to guarantee the best possible setup of each feature and the overall park flow”, she adds. Mt. Spokane also has plans to incorporate a brand-new park this season. This new park will be called “Progression Park” and will be located separately from the current terrain park. It will feature “progression” or beginning rails & jumps, such as 6’ flat rails, a 6’ box and a beginner rainbow rail. Here, new park enthusiasts will be introduced to the Smart Style terrain park etiquette program and gain experience at an entry level before graduating to the resort’s upper level park. Accomplished park riders will also be able to utilize the Progression Park for learning and mastering new tricks that may be too difficult to learn on more advanced features. The resort’s most anticipated park event this season is it’s annual “Kan Jam”. The sixth annual Kan Jam Freestyle Festival, taking place at the mountain on February 8th, 9th, & 10th, gives skiers and snowboarders of all ages and all skill levels an opportunity to compete for prizes and bragging rights. Events include a Rail Jam, Slopestyle (freestyle park riding), and Big Air contests. They are also hosting a US Airbag on the hill the week before the Kan Jam. US Airbag is essentially a giant bag of air that is placed at the landing zone below features. It allows for safe landings as riders work to build their skills on aerial maneuvers. If you are looking to check out some of the other parks in our immediate region, Silver Mountain, Lookout Pass and 49 all have varied terrain parks, each having its own blend of features and flow. Here’s a brief rundown of each: At Silver Mountain, you can catch some air and perfect your rail skills in their newly expanded terrain park. The park is described as having a smooth slope style flow and an assortment of January 2013
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rails to mix up the jump lines. Silver is debuting a New 25’ “Donkey Out Rail” this season, that was custom built by their park crew this summer. Silver’s signature event for the 4th year in a row, the Splashdown rail jam on April 6th, is a must see event. They have constructed a 32’ urban flat bar that completely spans the resort’s pond. In this event, contestants slide, ride and/or swim their way across the pond. The park crew at Lookout Pass has redesigned their “skate-style” park’s architecture for a better flow to accommodate heavier crowds this season. “If I can say one thing about Lookout Pass’
“This segment of the industry has evolved and changed so much in the fourteen years I’ve been involved.” terrain park, I would say that we build features for all riders at all levels and continue to push the boundaries for the higher end riders with creative/ innovative features by thinking outside of the box”, says Chris Barrett, the resort’s Marketing Director. February 3rd, Lookout hosts its annual “Battle on the Boarder” Slope Style competition. The terrain park at 49 Degrees North offers fun and excitement for all levels of skiers and riders. Features currently include rails, boxes, hits and more. The hardworking park crew puts their collective heart and soul into creating an environment for the best park experience possible. This
season, United States of America Snowboard Association’s Ski and Snowboard Series is coming to 49. Skiers and riders will have an opportunity to show their skills at this Slopestyle event on February 24th. If you’re interested in exploring the park action just a little further north, it’s hard to beat Schweitzer Mountain Resort’s “Stomping Grounds” freestyle park. This award winning terrain park has been featured in numerous ski industry movies and is regarded as one of the best all-around parks in the Northwest. With all of it’s industry accolades, it seems that Schweitzer has set the bar pretty high for themselves—but nowhere is this more evident then in it’s park safety practices. This is the third season of Schweitzer’s “Park Pass Program”, and since implementing it, they have seen both their injury rate and severity of those injuries decrease dramatically. It requires users of the Stomping Grounds to watch the Smart Style video and then take a short quiz before entering the park. This program ensures that guests are armed with knowledge and understanding of freestyle terrain before ever even setting foot in the park. Once completed, guests show their Park Pass to an attendant at the top of the park before entering. “We take a lot of pride in the safety of our parks, and we’ve done a lot over the years to make our parks as safe as possible”, says Dan Nylund, Schweitzer’s Terrain Park Director. “Besides the Park Pass Program and user education, our focus is on the design and construction of our features. We use winch cats in our parks regularly to build long and consistent landings, we design and build our features as a group, and we test and retest continually. We also keep current with industry trends by attending conferences and seminars.” By operating three distinct freestyle parks within the resort’s boundary, it seems Schweitzer has
a feature line up for every style and skill level on the mountain. The Terrain Garden, which contains the smallest features, is generally geared toward beginning park riders, while the Starfish park, which contains more small to medium features, is intended for a more intermediate crowd. Their largest park, the Stomping Grounds, usually has 20 to 25 large features set up at the peak of the season and is the most advanced of the three. In addition, they have also set up a Rider X course (short race course with various park features) that is starting to see a lot more family use than in recent years. As for the future of freestyle terrain, Nylund says, “This segment of the industry has evolved and changed so much in the fourteen years I’ve been involved, it’s hard to say where we will be down the road. As long as I’m involved, my plan is to keep up with current trends and provide the most fun and safe environment as possible”. He adds,
“I’m already seeing a trend of scaling things back to make for a more fun and playful, less-intimidating, jib oriented scene for the general public. The size, or distance to clear at least, is smaller in the parks we build here today than they were ten years ago, and they are more fun and user-friendly for more people, and easier to progress on.” Terrain Parks have now become a major marketable feature of all ski and snowboard resorts throughout the country. It’s important to remember that parks are not just playgrounds for young rebels, but a fun and challenging environment that any age group and any ability group can engage in and enjoy. As with any snow sports related activity, inherent dangers do exist within the park. However, with proper safety precautions, and the recommended use of helmets, skiers and riders should never be intimidated by or discouraged from learning to ride in the park. //
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Out There Monthly / January 2013
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January 2013
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Altai Skis Hok with Xtrace Binding $299.95
Atlas 9 Series Men’s & Women’s Snowshoe Reg $159.95 SALE $109.98
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For a complete list of class descriptions, events and information, contact us: 2002 N Division, Spokane • 509.325.9000 20
Out There Monthly / January 2013
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