Spoke+Blossom Magazine | Summer 2020 | Issue #12

T H E

H U B

O F

A D V E N T U R E

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W E S T E R N

C O L O R A D O

COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AGRICULTURE 12 SUSTAINABLE SUMMER RECIPES 20 ADVENTURE WITH ROCKYTRAX 52

SUMMER 2020 / ISSUE 12

PHOENIX HAUS HEALTHY LIVING 64

Bi g Do g B ui l d e r s & De s ig n s A renovation and design duo that remodels homes on the Western Slope

Remodel your dream home! n

Work with your budget

n

Find your desired location

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CO N T lifestyle

what’s up in the west

10

2

8

VOICES OF WESTERN COLORADO Locals weigh in on Sustainability

9

WHAT’S UP IN THE WEST Buckel Family Wine’s new Tasting Room in Gunnison

28 26

BOOK + BEVERAGE The River by Peter Heller River Runner Pale Ale by Eddyline Brewery

27

OUR FAVORITE INSTAGRAMS

10

WHAT’S UP IN THE WEST Las Colonias Park

28

STYLE True West Hats

12

BLOSSOM CSAs in Western Colorado

30

MAKER Timberleaf Trailers

16

HOME + GARDEN How to Compost at Home

34

ART Collage as Fine Art

18

DRINK Summertime Garden Juleps

37

MUSIC Crested Butte Music Festival

20

EAT Sustainable Summer Eating

38

FOOD Reduce Food Waste

24

EAT Cocoa Tree Chocolates

40

WELLNESS + FITNESS Shape the Life You Want: Habits

E N TS adventure

features + markets

56

70

42

EXPERIENCE + ADVENTURE GUIDE Get Outside + Play

64

PHOENIX HAUS Healthy, Affordable, Sustainable Homes

44

SPOKE Gear for the Season

68

THE OTHER “MEALS ON WHEELS” Food Truck Culture in Western Colorado

47

SPOKE Canfield Bikes

70

MORE THAN MILES Grand Mesa Ultramarathon Series

50

SPOKE Athlete Profile: Alexis Skarda

74

COWORKING + CONNECTIONS

52

FAMILY RockyTrax Revs Up Fun

77

WESTERN COLORADO OUTDOOR MARKETS

54

TAKE A HIKE Crag Crest Trail Loop

80

WHO WE ARE Q+A with David Montoni-Tiller

56

STAY + PLAY Cedar Ridge Ranch

60

GETAWAY A-Lodge + Adventure Vans

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

3

PUBLISHER’S LETTER

SUSTAINABILITY In early March, the Spoke+Blossom editorial team chose to theme this summer 2020 issue “Sustainability.” Just two weeks later, Colorado was rocked with the reality of COVID-19. It was a confusing and challenging spring that has led to an unsettled summer — an uncertain future for so many people, places, businesses and events all over the world.

We could’ve changed our theme, as topics of hope and resiliency seem more than appropriate for the times.

Sustainability, though, is a commitment to move forward mindfully and with purpose; to realize that your choices right now have an impact that ripples in time and space; to not abandon reverence and respect for this earth, your community, our country and all of humanity.

As everything shifted so rapidly, what was sustained? Perhaps it was a foundation of family that was able to be fostered more deeply, or a project once buried that rose to the surface of your efforts and creativity. Maybe you paused a little, read more magazines, rearranged your priorities.

Our hope at Spoke+Blossom is to shed light on what makes Western Colorado so special and worth sustaining. As always, this issue shines with wonderful news from the region, bright recipes and uplifting stories to inspire your season.

We have a feature article highlighting Phoenix Haus out of Grand Junction, a company that specializes in energy efficient homes that use a prefab building system aligned with healthy and affordable living. They’re creating homes that are modern and sustainable, with multi-gen options that can form a new vision for the family unit.

Sustainability is not just about maintaining the status quo and riding out mediocracy — it’s an ethos that pairs hope and action to lead us toward a better world. Now is the time when we can each choose our next steps from a new sphere of perspective and possibility.

It’s cliché, yes, but we know clichés are often true: sustainable living starts with you. Choose what it is you want to sustain and commit to it fully.

Founder Robin Brown Publishers Kim Fuller + Bobby L’Heureux Editor-In-Chief Kim Fuller Editorial Manager Lexi Reich Art Director Kitty Nicholason Staff Photographer Cat Mayer Advertising Bobby L’Heureux Interns Hector Salas Lauren Farrauto Naomi Allen Contributors Naomi Allen MacKennea Broyles Christine Emming Lauren Farrauto Kimberly Fuller Jayme Henderson Bobby L’Heureux Kristen Lummis Zach Mahone Cat Mayer Kimberly Nicoletti Lexi Reich Kaylan Robinson Hector Salas Jesse Selwyn Sharon Sullivan Ellissa Tiller Melanie Wiseman Cover Photograph Courtesy of Timberleaf Trailers Spoke+Blossom Magazine Jaunt Media Collective 2077 North Frontage Road / 103A Vail, CO 81657

Kim Fuller

Publisher + Co-Owner

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For advertising, contact ads@spokeandblossom.com Get in touch! We would love to hear from you. Please send your comments to letters@spokeandblossom.com Copyright © 2020 All rights reserved.

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contributors

MACKENNEA BROYLES MacKennea grew up in Delta, Colorado.

She is a recent graduate of the University of Colorado Boulder, and her writing has been published in The Colorado Sun, womensrunning.com and braveskimom.com. An avid runner, she was thrilled to combine her passions for running and writing in her most recent story here in Spoke+Blossom.

CHRISTINE EMMING Freelance writer in the mornings, graphic designer by night, Christine Emming bakes nearly as often as she writes. (Making use of a double English degree requires carbs.) Reach her at cemming.com.

DANIEL ROMAN Daniel is an international whitewater rafting guide turned owner. He founded Western Slope SUP, a Hotchkiss-based river outfitting service, in 2017. He enjoys sharing stories from Colorado’s North Fork Valley — a region transitioning from a coal mining past to a future in organic agriculture and outdoor adventures.

CAT MAYER Cat is a photographer and homeschooling mom of three. She divides her time between biking in Grand Junction, hiking in Ouray and running her Airbnbs in Montana.

JESSE SELWYN Never one to commit to a single pursuit, Jesse Selwyn spends his time mountain biking, skiing, climbing, shooting photos and occasionally writing at high levels of mediocrity.

Jesse, his wife Keri and their cat Meowzers call Grand Junction, Colorado home.

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KRISTEN LUMMIS Kristen is a Western Colorado writer focused on skiing and outdoor adventure. In addition to producing her award-winning website, braveskimom. com, Lummis writes for FIS (the International Ski Federation), liftopia. com and a variety of regional Colorado magazines.

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voices of western colorado

SUSTAINABLITY We asked these Western Slope locals to weigh in on this topic.

Compiled by Hector Salas

RODRIGO IBARRA

SHAMAI BUCKEL

IAN THOMAS

Essential Worker — Route Driver

Co-Owner of Buckel Family Wine

“This year has had a rough start,

“Sustainable means buying local,

and it’s become increasingly

engaging in the community and

apparent how essential employees

treading lightly on oneself and

play a big part in the sustainability

the land. This pays homage to

of communities large and small.

future

As a route driver in the Eagle

explore the wonders of life on

County area, I witnessed how

earth. Sustainability speaks to my

important it was for us truck

desire to play the infinite game. I

drivers to deliver products to

continually define and redefine my

stores, gas stations, markets and

choices, use buying power for the

other small businesses. We have

greater good and rethink my needs,

a hand in helping our community

all while finding ways to procure

to ensure they don’t run out of

products locally. Sustainability is a

food or other essential supplies.

way of life. It requires one to use

Everyone working an essential job

their senses: smelling wildflowers

helps to sustain the community

on a summertime hike, seeing

and provide a sense of ease

the vibrant red of tomatoes in

during challenging times. So

a backyard garden and feeling

what does sustainability mean to

the solid grip of a handshake.

me? It means we as a community

Sustainability is an opportunity

come together and do everything

to ponder not only our own well-

in our power to help in any way

being, but of all those within the

possible. We all have a part to play

community and, arguably, the

in keeping ourselves and each

world — to consider the health of

other happy and healthy.”

our planet and how it is a reflection

generations’

ability

to

of our own health, knowing that we have the power to impact the economy and society through our choices and decisions.”

8

Vice President of Sustainability Council at CMU

“To me, being sustainable is far more than buying locally, composting or riding a bike instead of driving. While it includes all of those things, this concept is dominantly a way forward for society. When I think of what the future looks like, I envision clean air and water, equal societies, healthy food and healthy people. Sustainability is an ethos that touches every part of life, from social systems and global economics, to local business and ecosystems. Western Colorado residents and visitors can buy delicious, locally grown foods directly from a farm or from local businesses — this encourages money to stay in our community and creates a loop that makes us more resilient. Approaching our beautiful public lands from a sustainability viewpoint not only ensures that our children can enjoy the same landscapes we have, but also supports the vital services provided to us by them.”

what's up in the west

RAISE YOUR GLASS Buckel Family Wine has opened a new tasting room in Gunnison.

Words by Kim Fuller | Photos courtesy of Buckel Family Wine

A

fter a full day of summer play, there may

They have been getting their wine into the hands

be nothing better than putting your feet

of restaurants and liquor stores throughout

up with a nice glass of local wine. Buckel Family

Colorado, including Josh Niernberg’s list at Bin

Wine sources 100-percent Colorado grapes and

707 Foodbar in Grand Junction.

has recently opened a warehouse winery in

Gunnison.

natural style, with the red wine being unfiltered.

Buckel wine is handmade in an old-world

At the tasting room, try an array of options

Classic winemaking techniques are used, with

from “taste the line-up” — a one-ounce pour of

minimal intervention and no sugars or additives.

each wine — to wine flights and wine by the

Wines produced by Buckel Family Wine include

glass. The flights are arranged in red or white

a Red Blend called “The Flyer,” Cabernet Franc,

flights and are a great way to try different

Pinot Noir, Cinsualt, Rosé, Sauvignon Blanc and

pairings with a charcuterie board. After finding

Chardonnay.

a favorite, you are welcome to buy bottles, cases

or join the wine club.

perfect wind-down activity after a bike ride at

This new tasting room may just be the

“The tasting room is a place for locals and

Hartman Rocks, boating Blue Mesa, hiking the

tourists to mingle in an unassuming space,”

Black Canyon or fly fishing the Gunnison River.

shares Shamai Buckel.

It’s located at 1018 Highway 135, Unit B, just north

of Gunnison on the east side of the highway as

Buckel Family Wine was founded in 2017

by winemaker Joe Buckel and his wife Shamai.

you are heading toward Crested Butte. :

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

9

what's up in the west

ENHANCING THE COLORADO RIVERFRONT NEAR DOWNTOWN GRAND JUNCTION

LAS COLONIAS PARK Words by Sharon Sullivan KITTY NICHOLASON

10

S

omething exciting is happening along the

safer section of the river, says Grand Junction

banks of the Colorado River, adjacent to

public works director Trent Prall. “It was created

downtown Grand Junction.

for ecological reasons too, for more habitat for

The riverfront has several new amenities in

the endangered fish program; it’s a win-win.”

the 130-acre, mixed-use site that is Las Colonias

Park. Once completed, Las Colonias will include

watercrafts in the new nearby Butterfly Lake.

a boat ramp, a zip line across the river, dog

parks, a pond and a river park where kayakers

dog parks, creating an area where people can

and standup paddle-boarders can surf a channel

hang out, fly kites or frisbees or enjoy a picnic.

of the Colorado River.

It will also be a festival venue, with hookups for

vendors located around the lawn’s perimeter.

“A couple of drop structures were installed

Water recreationists can also enjoy their Grass grows in between the lake and the

to create waves during high flows,” providing an

opportunity to enjoy river activities in a slower,

adventure company, plans to build a zipline

Bonsai Design, a Grand Junction-based aerial

across the river, connecting Las Colonias to

Eagle Rim Park on Orchard Mesa. Zipliners will

sidewalks, lampposts and all basic utilities to

walk across the pedestrian bridge to the launch

each site,” says Steve Jozefczyk, deputy director

site at Eagle Rim Park and then zip back across

for Grand Junction Economic Partnership.

the river to the starting point at Las Colonias.

“It’s raw ground, available to certain design

guidelines for aesthetic and appeal purposes.”

In 2017, Grand Junction’s Master Plan was

“All the infrastructure is in place: gutters,

updated to include a 15-acre business park at

Las Colonias with Bonsai Design as the anchor

funding opportunities for building at Las

tenant. Bonsai owners Sarah and Thad Shrader

Colonias can contact Grand Junction Economic

envision a business community there focused

Partnership at gjep.org. In November, Grand

on the outdoor recreation industry — the types

Junction residents voted to increase lease terms

of companies whose employees would enjoy the

for the city land from 25 to 99 years, making

proximity of outdoor recreation that the new

the property more valuable to prospective

park provides.

business owners.

RockyMounts owner Bobby Noyes is

Companies interested in learning about

On the western edge of the park is Las

relocating his bike, ski and cargo rack company

Colonias Park Amphitheater, built in 2017. The

from Boulder to Grand Junction to take advantage

outdoor stage is host to national musical acts

of the prime riverside property. Prall says other

throughout spring, summer and fall.

businesses are eager to lease space at a planned

commercial retail plaza to be developed.

trail that wends through the area, there’s a new

The Shraders are in the process of

soft-surface path comprised of decomposed

building a 20,000-square-foot facility for their

granite. Native trees and shrubs have been

new headquarters, plus a 10,000-square-foot

planted along the way. Come take a stroll down

warehouse for product assembly. Both buildings

by the riverside! :

In addition to the existing paved riverfront

will also have space for other companies to lease.

CALLIE BERKSON

blossom

CSA IN WESTERN COLORADO

SUPPORTING FARM-TO-TABLE IN YOUR HOME Words by Kristen Lummis

H

12

adassa Berger believes in the power of

good food. She also believes in the power of

farms, orchards, ranches and dairies and are

Weekly boxes combine the bounty of local

buying and selling locally.

delivered to subscribers’ homes, along with

“Supporting our local economy and local

farm-to-table recipes created by John St. Peter,

people has always been important to us. This

a local chef and instructor at Western Colorado

includes local agricultural and food producers,”

Community College.

Berger says.

So, when Berger, her husband Kyle and their

expanded even further, incorporating locally

four children — all Grand Junction natives—

produced add-ons, such as herbs and spices, breads,

bought a new home and discovered Rooted Gypsy

coffee beans and more to subscribers and non-

Farm for sale next door, they snatched it up.

subscribers alike through a weekly order checklist.

In addition to growing leafy greens and

When COVID-19 hit, Berger’s CSA model

“People have to stay at home, but they still

vegetables in a 3,000-square-foot greenhouse,

need good, healthy, local food. Local businesses

the Bergers have continued the farm’s other

need business,” she explains. “We support social

business, a cooperative Community Supported

distancing in our community by delivering food,

Agriculture (CSA) box delivery program.

without a fee, to anyone who needs it.”

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40 LOCATIONS IN COLORADO

INDEPENDENCE • COMMUNITIES • COMPASSION • INTEGRITY • LOYALTY

14

WHAT IS COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AGRICULTURE?

and farmers seeking working capital to kick-

Farming is the ultimate home-based business and

a risky one, too, dependent upon the vagaries of

murky — with some pioneering farms pointing

weather and buffeted by market demand.

to Japan for inspiration and others looking to

Europe — CSAs have been active in the U.S. since

And while some of us grow backyard tomatoes

start their annual operations.

While the history of CSAs in the U.S. is a bit

and other fresh food as a hobby, much of what we

the mid-1980s.

eat comes from outside our local area, transported

across continents and shipped over oceans.

upfront for a portion of the crop to be delivered as it

That’s

ripens. Think of it as purchasing a share in the farm.

where

Community

Supported

In a traditional CSA, consumers pay farmers

Agriculture comes in, facilitating a connection

between consumers wanting local, fresh food

or box program, offers a curated array of local

The other model, that of a cooperative CSA

food to consumers who subscribe on a weekly or

farmers in the nearby community of Hesperus.

biweekly basis. Many of these programs operate

They did this for two years and now lease an

year-round, not just during growing season.

acre south of Durango in the Florida (Flor-EE-da)

River Valley.

And while the phrase farm-to-table often

describes utilizing local food in restaurants and

When

asked

what

they

grow,

Sopko

schools, CSAs offer the ultimate in farm-to-table

laughingly responds, “What don’t we grow?”

ease for those cooking and dining at home.

explaining that the farm produces everything from cold-season crops like head lettuce, bok

ONE FARM, LOTS OF PRODUCE

choy and carrots to hot season favorites like

tomatoes, peppers, eggplant and even flowers

Kate Sopko and Morgan Di Santo run a

traditional CSA called Long Table Farm near

for arranged bouquets.

Durango.

members awaiting their first vegetable boxes of

Currently beginning their third season, the

Currently, Long Table Farm has 40 prepaid

self-described “co-owners, partners and best

the season.

friends,” relocated to southwestern Colorado

after graduating from Bard College in New York’s

will be months of locally-grown fresh produce,

Hudson Valley.

the payoff to Sopko and Di Santo has been in the

community their little farm creates.

“Neither of us grew up knowing how to

And while the benefit to the farm’s investors

farm,” shares Sopko, noting that she is from

Brooklyn and Morgan is from California.

Durango through our CSA members,” shares

Sopko. “It’s wonderful how we all connect.” :

Upon arrival in Durango, Sopko and Di Santo

“We’ve made some of our best friends in

joined a small business incubator program for

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#104

home + garden

HOW TO COMPOST AT HOME Words by Lauren Farrauto

F

or many people, familiarity with composting

extends to a pile of smelly food scraps

five things that will ensure your compost is

and the big green can the waste management company provides homeowners. In actuality, composting can be done right in your own yard with phenomenal results and no smelly leftovers.

“The benefits of home composting are

many,” says Dennis Hill, former owner and current employee of Bookcliff Gardens in Grand Junction. Compost acts as a natural fertilizer and returns nutrients to the soil, turning a vegetable garden into an abundant little farm, full of new, healthy growth. “Things grow like crazy,” explains Hill, whose own backyard is a haven of lush greenery that invites birds and butterflies from miles around.

If space isn’t an issue, your compost doesn’t

need to be contained. Hill is a proponent of the pile method. He often has multiple piles at a time: “one ready to go, one in process and one I’m still building,” he says. However, if you’re hoping to be a little more contained, stacks of concrete blocks, chicken wire and wood pallets are all great ways to make your compost more compact. Regardless, the key thing to remember is to make your compost big enough. Hill recommends a space of about 3 cubic feet. For compost to thrive, it must have enough oxygen.

Too small of a compost bin will negatively impact your pile.

16

Once you’re ready to start, here are

successful: Brown Matter This includes things like leaves, sawdust, wood chips and newspaper. Brown matter will make up the majority of your compost pile.

Green Matter Lawn clippings, weeds and kitchen scraps, such as coffee grounds and veggie peeling are great examples of green matter. This is the other main component of your compost pile. Be sure to avoid fats and oils, like meat products and bones, as these will make your compost smell and attract animals.

Water Little-known fact: composting won’t happen without water. Sprinkle your pile with a hose about once a week to ensure it remains damp. But be careful: if a pile is too soggy it won’t have enough oxygen.

Oxygen Aerobic activity in your compost pile helps all the green and brown matter decompose. In order to maintain good airflow in your pile, use a shovel or pitchfork to turn it every two to four months. This also helps the materials on the outside get deeper into the pile and decompose faster.

Microbes These little guys are what make the

soil on top of your garden beds — about 3 to 5

food scraps actually become compost. By adding

inches worth. Then, using a till or spade, mix the

a scoop or two of pre-composted organic matter

two together thoroughly. Each year when you go

or manure, you can easily begin to kickstart

to revive your veggie garden, repeat this step.

your bacteria growth.

After four to six years of this, the dirt in the beds will be rich in nutrients and have created an

As you begin to assemble your pile, adopt the

excellent biome for plant growth. At this point,

“lasagna method.” Layer your compost with a

you can simply add a new compost layer to the

base of brown matter and a small pile of green

top of the soil and let Earth’s natural tillers, the

matter on top. Repeat this as the pile grows to

earthworms, do the rest.

ensure a healthy distribution of each type. The

pile should use a ratio of three parts brown

your compost, it can be ready in as little as three

matter to one part green matter. When you’re

months, but it’s safer to bet on a year before it’s

just starting, Hill suggests using grass clippings

ready. The more you turn the pile and adjust

as the first few green layers, but make sure

the moisture, the sooner it’ll be ready. An easy

that you don’t put too much, otherwise the

way to tell? Smell it. “A compost pile should be

damp grass will become “a hot, stinking mess.”

inoffensive; if it smells, something is wrong,” Hill

Additionally, avoid adding clippings if they are

declares. You also shouldn’t be able to recognize

treated with weed killer; the pesticide will make

anything in the pile, like that orange peel from a

your compost unusable.

few months back.

Because the soil in Western Colorado is often

Depending on how intensively you treat

Compost is a great way to encourage

dry and lacks nutrients, compost is the perfect

growth in your garden and reduce your waste.

soil amendment for a vegetable garden. Once

Start fostering this sustainable practice — your

you’ve created a sizeable compost pile, place the

veggies will thank you for it. :

Thank you!

We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to our loyal customers for supporting us through this difficult time. Your cheerful spirits are a bright shining light in the greenhouses.

We feel blessed to be deemed a critical business and, as many customers have expressed, “Critical to our mental health!”

DENNIS, RICK, STEPH, AND DAN

755 26 Road, Grand Junction / CO 81506 970-242-7766 / bookcliffgardens.com

drink

SUMMERTIME GARDEN JULEPS Words + Photo by Jayme Henderson

S

o many of us have adopted new houseplants,

gardens,

built

started

backyard

raised

beds

or

started plants from seed during the pandemic. Tying us to the places we live through the cultivation of plants is certainly one of the better side effects from being cooped up at home. I’ve personally taken the time to cultivate a “cocktail garden” at my house, one that’s filled with drinkfriendly herbs.

Summertime cocktails are going

to be extra delicious.

While traditional mint juleps

are herbaceous and refreshing, I like to change up the flavor profile and incorporate different herbs in the simple syrup for a versatile “garden julep” cocktail — one that captures the taste of a particular point of the season, here in the garden. A few favorite julep versions of mine are basil, pineapple sage and lemon thyme, but get experimental with what you have! :

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SUMMERTIME GARDEN JULEP 2 ounces bourbon 1/2 ounce herbal simple syrup crushed ice sprigs of fresh herbs, for both

the syrup and garnish

1. I n a cocktail or julep glass, combine the bourbon and herbal simple syrup.

2. A dd a little crushed ice and stir together to integrate and slightly dilute the ingredients.

3. T op with extra crushed ice and garnish with sprigs of fresh herbs.

HERBAL SIMPLE SYRUP 1. C ombine equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan on low heat.

Bring to a slow simmer and remove from heat.

2. A dd a handful of fresh herbs (for this particular cocktail, I used lemon balm and mint together) and let steep until the mixture cools.

3. S train off the solids and store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

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eat

SUSTAINABLE SUMMER EATING Words + Photos by Cat Mayer

M

y family enjoys the ease of summertime cooking. We usually eat al fresco, and

LEMON & BROCCOLI COUSCOUS SERVES 8

most of our meals revolve around hearty,

This recipe is adapted from one of my

cooling salads, slices of fresh grainy bread,

summertime favorites, The Love & Lemons

freshly-roasted garden veggies and berry treats.

Cookbook.

We purchase most ingredients from CSAs and farmers’ markets because the produce is widely available, fresh, delicious and we like to support sustainable, local agriculture.

We plan to put these favorite recipes into

heavy rotation during these summer months.

Their bright flavors are great for family dinners and summer potlucks alike.

FOR THE SALAD 8 cups broccoli florets (we use frozen) 2 cans cooked chickpeas/garbanzo beans, drained Expeller-pressed canola oil

(or other high-heat oil, like sunflower) 2 cups Israeli couscous, cooked to al dente

(or 2 cups of cooked quinoa) 1/4 cup capers 1/2 cup toasted almonds 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes Sea salt and fresh black pepper 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese FOR THE DRESSING 1 cup fresh basil, chopped 1/2 cup almonds, toasted and chopped 2 small garlic cloves, minced 6 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil Zest of one lemon 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice Sea salt and fresh black pepper

1. P reheat oven to 400°F. 2. L ine a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Toss broccoli and chickpeas with canola oil, salt and pepper, and roast for 20 minutes or until the broccoli begins to brown slightly. Set aside.

3. I n a large bowl, make the dressing. Combine basil, almonds, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, sea salt and freshly ground pepper.

4. A dd the roasted broccoli, chickpeas, couscous, capers, toasted almonds, red pepper flakes and salt and pepper, and toss it all together. Taste for seasoning; add more lemon juice if desired. Serve with the grated parmesan on top.

20

BECOMING A CONSCIOUS EATER Our 10-year-old, Oliver, recently made the decision to become a vegetarian when he began learning about the industrial food chain. We picked up Sophie Egan’s new book, How to be a Conscious Eater, to learn more about how to choose foods that are healthier for all of us — humans, animals, plants and Earth. We also read Michael Pollan’s books about food, including The Omnivore’s Dilemma: Young Readers Edition, a kid-friendly version of his informative book.

SUMMER’S BEST GUACAMOLE SERVES 6-8

4 large ripe avocados Juice from one lime 1/2 tsp sea salt 1 small red onion, finely chopped 1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro 1 serrano chili, seeds removed and finely chopped (optional, if you like heat) Sliced veggies for dipping like cucumbers, carrots, zucchini, celery and radishes

1. S coop the avocado flesh into a large bowl, add the lime juice and salt and mash roughly with a fork.

2. F old in the remaining ingredients, and add more lime or salt to taste. We like to up our veggie intake by eating this dip with sliced veggies instead of corn chips.

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

21

THE SUMMER CHOP SERVES 5-6

This cooling salad is both salty and sweet with crunch.

FOR THE SALAD 5 cups thinly-sliced red cabbage 1 cup small broccoli florets or

blanched and chilled haricot vert 1 large carrot, thinly sliced 3 radishes, cut into matchsticks 4 small oranges, cut up into segments 8 oz fresh mozzarella, cubed 1 avocado, diced 1/3 cup toasted then crushed almonds 2 tsp sesame seeds 1/2 whole wheat baguette, cubed FOR THE DRESSING 1/4 cup creamy almond butter 1-1/2 Tbsp toasted sesame oil

22

3 tsp coconut aminos 1/3 cup fresh orange juice 1 Tbsp rice vinegar 1 tsp freshly grated ginger 2 Tbsp water

1. I n a large bowl, toss together the cabbage, broccoli, carrot, radishes, oranges, mozzarella and avocado.

2. I n a small bowl, make the dressing by whisking together the nut butter, sesame oil, coconut aminos, orange juice, rice vinegar, ginger and water.

3. P our dressing over the salad and toss together. Chill for 20 minutes, then season with more coconut aminos if desired. Add the bread, toss again, and top with toasted nuts and sesame seeds. Serve with your favorite hot sauce on the side.

BERRY PIE + CREAM IN A CUP SERVES 5

1 cup almond meal 1/2 cup rolled oats 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes 1 Tbsp cinnamon 1 Tbsp coconut sugar 3 tsp butter, melted 2 pints fresh organic berries (we like

blueberries and raspberries) Plain, whole milk Greek yogurt (we like Straus Family Creamery brand) or vanilla ice cream

(we like Aldens)

1. P reheat oven to 325°F and line a small sheet with parchment paper. Combine almond meal, oats, coconut, cinnamon, and coconut sugar in a bowl. Spread on the baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, stirring halfway through. When it’s golden, set aside to cool.

2. D ivide berries between individual cups, top with yogurt or ice cream and a few spoonfuls of the almond meal crumb. :

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eat

COCOA TREE CHOCOLATES Words by Kim Fuller | Photos courtesy of Cocoa Tree Chocolates

A

24

bby Mandel has a taste, and a true talent,

It was last September when she made the leap

for chocolate.

to launch Cocoa Tree Chocolates. The chocolates

“I have been obsessed with sweets for as

are made fresh, without preservatives, so they

long as I can remember,” she shares. “As a child,

need to be consumed within two or three weeks.

I spent many hours in the kitchen experimenting

with cakes, candies and chocolate. By the time I

sit on a shelf for months,” she says. “Why would

was 10, I was making fancy three-layer cakes with

anyone want to eat those anyway?”

marzipan figures and chocolate decorations.”

Her obsession continued throughout high

some of the herbs Mandel uses are picked from

school and college, but when faced with the

her own garden. Everything, from the marzipans

decision to go to pastry school or graduate

to the jams, are hand-made and hand-painted.

school, she opted for the latter.

“I ended up getting a PhD in Taste Perception

flavor combinations and developing recipes,”

Science from Cornell University through the

shares Mandel. “I focus a lot on the overall

Division of Nutritional Sciences,” says Mandel.

‘experience’ of eating each truffle — what

“After working as a scientist for several years,

flavor reached the palate first, how the different

I moved to the Roaring Fork Valley about seven

textures hit at different times, how the final

years ago with my husband and small children.

bitterness of the dark shell plays into it. I make

Two years ago, I started making chocolate

sure that each combination is totally balanced

truffles as holiday gifts and had so much fun

in terms of sweetness, texture, etc. As a result,

with it; I started experimenting with molded,

our flavors tend to be very bold and not overly

hand-painted truffles. After a year of trying

sweet.”

out various flavor combinations on my family,

friends and co-workers, we decided that it was

scientist, her area of research focused on

time to start a real business.”

individual differences. What she has found with

“These are definitely not chocolates that can

Everything is made in small batches, and

“We spend a lot of time brainstorming about

When Mandel worked as a taste perception

her chocolates is that there are many differences

with how people perceive them.

often takes a classic dessert that she loves, like

Sachertorte or banana bread, and figures out

“I always have six to 10 people try out a flavor

For their more traditional flavors, she

to make sure it works for most tasters before it can

how to shrink it down into chocolate form.

be launched as a new flavor,” she explains. “For

example, with one early flavor, Peppered Apricot,

explains, “which combines flourless chocolate

I found that only half the tasters could actually

cake with marzipan and raspberry or apricot

perceive the pepper. The ones who could thought

jam, is a dessert I have made for many years. It

it was amazing, but the other half thought it was

was quite fun figuring out how to shrink it down,

terrible. That one didn’t make the cut.”

and it tastes just like the cake.”

Mandel gets inspiration for new flavors

“The classic Austrian Sachertorte,” she

Cocoa Tree Chocolates can be found at a

from many different sources, and she says she

number of retailers in the Roaring Fork Valley,

thinks about it pretty much all the time.

including True Nature, The Launchpad and

“I read cookbooks and cooking magazines

Landmark Cafe in Carbondale, Meat & Cheese and

constantly — both sweet and savory — and

The Aspen Art Museum in Aspen. Mandel also

also troll the grocery stores and spice websites,

takes online orders at CocoaTreeChocolates.com

keeping an eye out for fun or interesting

for hand-delivery throughout the Roaring Fork

ingredients to use,” she says. “Those trips usually

Valley and priority shipping for orders further

end in one of our more creative combinations.

afield in Colorado and across the country. :

For example, I just received some beautiful caraway seeds and am now trying to figure out how to incorporate them into a truffle — who knows where it will lead. This is definitely my

For more information go to cocoatreecarbondale.com.

favorite part of the whole process.”

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

25

book + beverage

Words by Lauren Farrauto + Bobby L’Heureux | Photo by Kim Fuller

Heller, a Colorado native himself,

crafts a beautiful story of adventure and mystery in this fast-paced novel.

Growing up in the outdoors as a kayaker, fisherman and river guide, Heller is no stranger to the forest. He previously contributed to Outside Magazine and National Geographic, proving his love for and depth of knowledge on nature extends far and wide. Let your inner explorer emerge as you dive into this gripping summer read.

THE BEVERAGE

W

RIVER RUNNER PALE ALE ith a majority of events and gatherings canceled this summer,

it is a great time to explore Colorado for adventures and experiences. During the planning stages of your explorations in our wonderful state, make sure you put Buena Vista as a destination. There are numerous ways to stay and play in the

THE BOOK

S

26

area. Be sure to check out one of Eddyline

THE RIVER

Brewery’s locations for an ice-cold River Runner Pale

BY PETER HELLER

Ale and some delicious eats to go with it.

ummer is the perfect time to spend leisurely

evenings on your deck or patio with a cold drink

company — River Runners — as they were the first

and a great book. Because many people have been

to have the beer on tap back in 2009. While reading

feeling a bit cooped up recently and have more time

The River, I found myself transported to the banks

on their hands, now is a great opportunity to escape

of a river and wanting a beverage to pair with my

into the wilderness with Peter Heller’s newest release,

daydream.

The River — a mystery-thriller that chronicles the

journey of long-time best friends Wynn and Jack, who

my normal IPA palate with a solid malt backbone that

strike out to canoe the Maskwa River in Canada.

had me craving more with every sip. There are notes

What began as a leisurely trip quickly turns into

of grapefruit and pine on the nose and the flavor is

a dash to escape a spreading wildfire for the Vermont

perfectly balanced and crisp. I purchased a six-pack

and Colorado natives. On their journey, the duo hears

for the photo shoot and have bought several more

a couple arguing, so they go to inform them of the

since. The 16-ounce cans in the six-pack make for

impeding fire, but no one is there. The river they

even more drinking pleasure. Grab a copy of The River

traverse becomes more interesting the longer they

for your adventures and find the perfect Eddyline

continue their journey.

Brewery beer to pair with your reading material. :

River Runner Pale Ale is named after a local guide

River Runner Pale Ale has enough hops to satisfy

OUR FAVORITE INSTAGRAM PAGES Compiled by Lauren Farrauto

STEPHEN SMITH

JACK RABBIT HILL FARM @jackrabbithillfarm

This innovative farm in the North Folk Valley manages labels of wine, spirits, ciders and vodka.

Truly a diverse company, Jack Rabbit Hill’s organic, biodynamic practices are paired with the glowing title of being the first commercial bottle reuse program in the United States.

THE CYCLE EFFECT @thecycleeffect

This page highlights a tribe of self-identified lady shredders, who challenge themselves and each other to persevere and “ride into their future.” This non-profit in Eagle and Mesa counties supports the journeys of women and girls alike through the power of the bike.

TRIBUTARY FOOD HALL & DRINKERY @tributarygolden

BRAMBLE AND BLOOM FLORAL @brambleandbloomfloral

Find all your food and drink cravings compiled neatly into one rustic building. Get your foodie fix on their Instagram page, which features #foodstagrams that will have you salivating over decadent dishes and drink pairings.

Whether you are seeking flowers for an event or simply want to bring a little bit of the outside indoors, check out Bramble and Bloom Floral, based in Crested Butte. Their page features beautiful arrangements of all kinds of flowers, guaranteed to brighten any space.

EAGLE CLIMBING + FITNESS @eagleclimbing

THE GET LOST GIRLS @thegetlostgirls

If you’re feeling a little intimidated by the Rocky Mountains, but still want to sink your fingers into rocky crags, visit Eagle Climbing. Hone your skills and enjoy climbing year-round at this community-focused gym.

For those looking to explore the great outdoors, this Salida women’s collective frequently posts incredible photos from their time in the wilderness. They believe safety education and experience outside is the key to empowerment in any and every environment.

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

27

style

FUNCTIONAL SUMMER STYLE

TRUE WEST HATS Words by Kim Fuller

CHARLIE RUTLEDGE

A

28

fter spending years traveling internationally

ceramicists who made your plates. We became

and living in South America, Charlie and

accustomed to the quality and time and art that

April Selman moved to Paonia, Colorado to raise

it took to make beautiful, functional items.”

a family and start their new business, True West

Hats.

“makers” movement and serendipitously fell

“The inspiration for our business came

into hat making, a trade that April says matched

from almost ten years of living internationally

their desire for quality, functionality and artistic

in Chile, Argentina and Mexico,” shares April.

expression.

“Most of that time was spent in a small wine-

producing area of Argentina. We were very far

in our shop, just the way they want,” she adds.

from any big city or major shopping area, and

“We now offer full-service custom hat making,

the people tended to make what they needed

repairs and restorations, as well as make private

instead of purchasing mass-produced products.

label hats for retailers around Colorado, and we

There were shoe makers, furniture makers, even

sell online.”

They returned to the U.S. at the start of the

“We can custom design a hat with our clients

Hats can have a timeless style, April explains,

TEYA CRANSON

and that’s what she and Charlie love most about their business.

“We’ve

been

involved

in

other

retail

businesses where the styles change every year and you literally throw away items that didn’t sell the year before,” shares April. “Even though the styles don’t change significantly, hats as a function and fashion item are definitely coming back in style.”

The Selmans are constantly trying to

improve the process of hat making.

“We source all our palm leaf hats — what

most people would think of as straw — from Ecuador where they are woven by hand,” April says. “We then use botanical and earth element dyes and shape them by hand to create one-of-a-

kind hats.”

says April. “Hearing someone say ‘I don’t look

The True West Hats retail and production

good in hats’ is our favorite challenge, because

facility is located at 210 Grand Avenue on

we know they just haven’t found the right hat

Paonia’s main commercial street. They use a hat

yet, and we can make it happen.” :

steamer and materials to custom fit and design each hat to a head.

“We love to see people find that perfect hat,”

True West Hats also sells online. Visit them in Paonia or at truewesthats.com.

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maker

ESCAPE TO THE ROCKIES WITH TIMBERLEAF TRAILERS Words by Lexi Reich | Photos courtesy of Timberleaf Trailers

30

ot yet ready for retirement, an older man

N

with early onset Alzheimer’s from Dallas

trailers add a dose of convenience and luxury to

had a dream of living on the road full-time,

any outdoor experience. Thanks to Timberleaf, a

and part of his bucket list consisted of buying

newlywed couple from a small town in Georgia

a Timberleaf Trailer in late 2015. With a great

clocked in 40,000 miles over the course of a year

attitude about his predicament, he was able

by living fulltime in their teardrop trailer. They

to travel for a year and a half before settling

traveled to all but four states, and the husband

down, driving between tailgates at Yale with

ended up working for Timberleaf for two years

his son and exploring the vast Rocky Mountains.

because of how much he loved the company.

“We’re building the vehicle to make their

Founded in 2015, the company’s teardrop

Timberleaf’s headquarters moved from

stories fun,” shares Kevin Molick, founder

Denver to Grand Junction in March 2018. For

and owner of Timberleaf Trailers in Grand

adventure seekers looking to get a trailer of their

Junction.

own, it’s to nice know that it’s not a long process

— each Timberleaf Trailer takes only three to four weeks of total build time.

“It’s fun to watch when we deliver a trailer,”

Kevin says. “Our guys talk to the clients and it’s ultimately like giving birth — the trailers being born and going out the door and having those experiences.”

Their trailers are unique because of the

design — the finish, detailing and accessories. It’s small enough, rugged enough and aesthetically pleasing. Anyone with a Subaru to a truck can use it to complement their outdoor excursions.

While Kevin acknowledges it’s one of the

most expensive trailers in the country, he stands by the price tag because of how much the Timberleaf team puts into each one. As folks come to pick up their trailer, Kevin says

trailer’s components are purchased from yacht

the feedback his team most often hears is how

and marine suppliers, rather than typical trailer

expectations have been exceeded.

manufacturers. Anything welded for the trailer

is made in Grand Junction, along with the wood

When you stand at the galley of the trailer,

everything is right at your fingertips and easily

finishes.

accessed. The sink is right in front of you; the

countertop is supreme for such a small unit.

can,” Kevin adds.

The trailer fits a queen-size mattress and is

crafted with quality in mind. In fact, many of the

it know what they’re doing; they’re all passionate

“We use local manufacturers whenever we The trailer works because the men who craft

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

31

Two of the builders hard at work shortly after making the move to the Grand valley — building someone’s dream trailer.

32

about the outdoors and the environment. Kevin

them navigate their new purchase. The couple

and his son, Alex, along with five other dedicated

spent most of their time organizing the kitchen

staff, make up the Timberleaf team.

and cooking glamorous meals.

“This is not about me, it’s about the

experiences

we

create.

Everyone

here

is

“It was a unique experience to be among

our customers with their first weekend in the

passionate about it; every single guy who works

trailer,” Alex says. “We definitely bonded.”

here is a unique individual,” Kevin says.

recreation within the valley and within close

“We’re not all cut from same cloth, but we’re

“There are such cool opportunities for

very avid outdoorsmen,” shares Alex, who is the

proximity,”

shop manager. “It’s a cool environment to work

community for their support that allows the

in. We all have great pride in the quality of work

business to flourish, and says Grand Junction

we put out.”

will always be home.

One of their workers, Jake, hiked the entire

he

adds.

Alex

commends

the

There is a tentative agreement in the works

Pacific Crest Trail and the Appalachian Trail. His

for Timberleaf Trailers to open a space in Las

experience camping and backpacking helps add

Colonias, which is along the Colorado riverfront

insight into the design and production of the

near downtown Grand Junction.

trailers.

industry there,” Kevin shares, adding Timberleaf

“It helps us think as a consumer, because we

“We’re trying to cultivate the outdoor

do camp and we can imagine very easily the use

would be the second manufacturer on the site.

of our product in a rainstorm, the extreme cold

or extreme heat,” Alex explains.

day with a quality mattress, kitchen and secure

lock, check out the craftsmanship at Timberleaf

Last summer, Alex joined a couple who just

purchased a trailer for a weekend in Ouray. The

If you’re looking for comfort at the end of the

Trailers. timberleaftrailers.com :

couple enjoyed camping off-grid as Alex helped

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t h u rs days , j u ly to s e pt e m b e r d o w n to w n g ran d j u n ct i o n

An Artist First by Gayle Gerson

34

art

ROCKY MOUNTAIN COLLAGE SOCIETY

“COLLAGE AS FINE ART” Words by Melanie Wiseman

C

ollage techniques were first used around

200 B.C. with the invention of paper in

backgrounds and age groups,” explains Gerson.

China. In the early 1900s, artist Pablo Picasso

“Most people are late to art, the vast majority

and colleague Georges Braque coined the term

discovering collage as a new creative outlet.”

collage and edged the craft into a distinctive part

At

of modern art.

professional jewelry maker who just learned the

collage medium and loved it.

Collage art appeals to many simply because

“Our members are men and women from all

90,

their

senior

member

was

a

it’s an assemblage of different forms, creating a

new whole. Whether three-dimensional or flat,

share ideas and skills, new techniques, even

collage may include magazine and newspaper

glues,” adds Wilhelm. “We feed off each other.”

clippings,

ribbon,

cloth,

paint,

handmade,

“For me it’s inspirational to get together and

RMCS members are all about spreading their

vintage or tissue paper, photographs and found

love of collage art through community outreach

objects such as bark, seed pods, metal gears and

and numerous exhibits. 2020 marks their third

bits of jewelry.

Annual Collage Art Expo at the Western Slope

Georges Braque claimed that art can be

Center for the Arts — a family-targeted event.

made out of anything, even the contents of our

Members set up hands-on stations for the public

waste baskets.

to experiment with and take home their newly

created projects.

Rocky Mountain Collage Society (RMCS)

members Sylvia Wilhelm and Gayle Gerson

joke that the society feels “socially responsible”

Hall, Mesa County Library, the Lincoln Park

RMCS exhibits have been displayed at City

to create collage art in this day and age of ever-

Barn, St. Mary’s Pavilion, the Zesty Moose and, of

growing trash.

course, the Western Slope Center for the Arts, to

“Collage has always gotten short shifted, but

name just a few. Wilhelm won first place at the

it is truly an art form,” says Gerson. “Our mission

Library’s Culturefest art exhibit with her collage

is to recognize and encourage appreciation for

entitled “Displaced” — based on Syrian refuges.

collage as fine art.”

Last year Grand Junction hosted the Annual

Originating in Grand Junction in 2007 with

National Collage Society Postcard Show with

just a couple members, RMCS currently includes

entrants from England, Ireland, Canada and the

38 artists from across the state. New members are

Czech Republic, as well as all over the United

welcome to join in their educational quarterly

States. Artists are confined to 4x6 postcard-size

meetings, informal small group gatherings

pieces of work, creating a fun challenge, resulting

and exhibit opportunities. Quarterly meetings

in astounding variety. Gerson was honored to

include a member demonstration and, every two

be one of the winners with her postcard titled

years, a two-day workshop by guest artists from

“An Artist First” — a modern expression of

around the United States.

Mona Lisa.

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

35

“Sometimes I’ll spend more time on a 4x6

a full, creative view of landscapes, architecture,

postcard than a 40x30 piece, because you have

people, animals, flowers and abstract art.

to make maximum impact on a small space,”

says Gerson.

surprises that aren’t apparent from afar,”

The RMCS bi-annual exhibit at the Western

explains Wilhelm. “People say collage draws

Slope Center for the Arts is a highlight for

them in, makes them look from a different

members as it is not juried, meaning they can

perspective and exclaim ‘Wow, how did they do

show several entries. In addition to individual

that?’” :

“Up close people discover all the little

entries, members display a themed, group piece.

“Paper Trail” is this year’s theme. Each member is given a 12x12 panel with a pre-drawn path on it. Once the unique panels from each member are assembled, the paths will all connect.

“We’re making pieces of art and the

principles of art don’t change across medium,” claims Gerson. “Color, balance, unity and value are all of the things we do in collage as in all art forms. The basic grammar doesn’t change.”

One thing that may be different about collage

is the amount of time a person spends looking at it.

Observers find a completely different experience up close verses at a distance. Up close they see all the parts and pieces, where at a distance they get

Road To Abiquiu by Pam Leland

36

At press time, The Annual Collage Art Expo at the Art Center, originally scheduled for May 16, had been put on hold until the rules for public gatherings allow it. The exhibit received a grant from the City of Grand Junction Commission on Arts and Culture to help fund the event. For more information, visit rockymountaincollagesociety.org.

music

JULY 26 – OCTOBER 3, 2020

CRESTED BUTTE MUSIC FESTIVAL Words by S+B Staff | Photo courtesy of Crested Butte Music Festival

I

t’s a “Not Just Beethoven” season this year

Gabriel Kahane, Grammy-nominated indie rock

for the Crested Butte Music Festival (CBMF),

band Devotchka and pianist Christopher O’Riley.

celebrating Beethoven’s 250th birthday with the

theme. The festival will run from July 26 through

as well, including the Bluegrass and Beyond

Educational opportunities will be available

October 3, 2020, with additional performances

week-long camp and the Colorado Gypsy Jazz

planned for December.

Camp. New this year is RISE, a three-week vocal

CBMF programs will be located across the

entrepreneur program for select early-career

Gunnison Valley, including at the new Crested

vocalists. Additionally, a five-part, free lecture

Butte Center for the Arts, featuring a 350-seat

series on Beethoven will be taught by CBMF

performance

artistic director, Dr. Erik Christian Peterson.

theater

with

state-of-the-art

acoustics.

This festival features renowned international

by providing greater access to the power of

“We are excited to expand our programming

artists in the areas of classical, gypsy jazz and

music education,” shares Erica Vernon, CBMF

bluegrass. Highlights in 2020 will include the

executive director.

Ariel Quartet, composer and singer-songwriter

The festival also features Music + Mountains,

where artists perform al-fresco with a backdrop To view the entire schedule

of Mt. Crested Butte’s stunning mountain views. :

and purchase tickets, visit crestedbuttemusicfestival.org.

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

37

food

REDUCE FOOD WASTE Words by Kimberly Nicoletti

O

ver the decades, we’ve become more

attentive to recycling, but how much do we

Growing food contributes to greenhouse gases,

Food waste also harms the environment.

think about the impacts of food waste? Sure, we

according to the Food Waste Reduction Alliance.

may have that parental voice in our head telling

The NRDC estimates that nearly 40 million

us to eat everything on our plate, and we may

tons of food ends up in landfills, which makes

feel guilty when we forget about a leftover in the

it the largest municipal solid waste component

fridge. But, guilt isn’t a great motivator (and it feels

in landfills, according to the Environmental

pretty crummy, too). What if, instead, we simply

Protection Agency (EPA).

educated ourselves about food waste and set an

intention to be more mindful, day by day, food bit

methane, which is 21 times more harmful than

by food bit, about using as much food as we buy?

carbon dioxide,” says Madison Muxworthy,

“When it decomposes in landfills, it produces

waste diversion director of the Yampa Valley

38

CHALLENGES

Sustainability Council (YVSC) in Steamboat

Up to 40 percent of food produced in the United

Springs.

States goes uneaten, according to the Natural

Resources Defense Council (NRDC), which also

methane emissions in the U.S.

estimates that growing, processing, transporting

and disposing of uneaten food costs a household

and Environmental Protection Agency have set a

of four about 1,800 dollars annually, for a total of

goal for the U.S. to cut its food waste in half by

218 billion dollars nationwide.

2030. Along the Front Range, several community

In fact, landfills account for one-third of all The United States Department of Agriculture

organizations have implemented food share

Food Recovery Network, a national student

programs, composting and other waste reduction

movement designed to fight food waste and

measures, and Western Colorado is doing its part.

hunger,

partners

with

Colorado

Mountain

College in Steamboat Springs and University of

LOCAL EFFORTS

Denver; together they have saved 34,150 pounds

In 2017, YVSC recruited 50 participants for its

of food since 2015.

Food Too Good to Waste Challenge. It provided

tips to reduce edible waste, like organizing

Mesa University and Grand Valley Catholic

refrigerators and freezers by storing meats,

Outreach in Grand Junction. Catholic Outreach

produce, etc. in separate areas, cooking with

provides 250 to 300 hot meals to people in need

food scraps (such as adding carrot tops to stew),

six days a week. 40 percent of its food comes

preparing meals for the coming week, taking

from grocery stores and restaurants.

regular in-stock food inventories and making a

grocery list and sticking to it.

as well as grocery stores and local farmers and

“Of

the

tips

suggested,

95.8

The network also partners with Colorado

Every October, about 60 local restaurants,

percent

hunters, donate to Catholic Outreach’s annual

of participants planned to continue meal

Empty Bowls fundraiser, while local potters

planning, 91.7 percent continued making a

and woodworkers fashion the bowls for the

shopping list and 100 percent continued eating

1,000-participant event.

leftovers,” Muxworthy says. “For 83.3 percent of

participants, food waste prevention became a

and feeding the hungry is something that

high priority because it saves money.”

everyone can relate to,” says Beverly Lampley,

Last year, YVSC ran a study in which 69

director of development and communications

households collected their discarded food in

for Catholic Outreach. “Stores don’t want to

“Everyone wants to be part of something,

bins for a week and kept track of reasons why. It

Saving food starts with your mindset.

found the average household wastes an average of 2.6 pounds of edible food and six pounds of “inedible” food (components typically not eaten

throw away lettuce that they can’t sell — and it’s

by Americans or for which significant skill or

a write-off. [Donations grow] through word of

effort would be required). Participants threw 66

mouth — just telling the story.”

percent of the waste into the trash, 13 percent

down the disposal and 12 percent into home

food banks.

composting; they used 9 percent to feed animals.

As Muxworthy points out, all but two percent

Lampley suggests sharing excess items you

of participants were already familiar with food

bake with neighbors and visiting a local landfill

waste issues, “so participants were already

to remind yourself of food waste impacts.

doing really well compared to a lot of citizens

Muxworthy also suggests livening up leftovers,

who aren’t doing so well.”

freezing food in portions and buying only what

you need.

“The most common items thrown in the

Individuals also can help by giving to local In terms of household food waste reduction,

household buckets were leftovers, bread and

Online, savethefood.com offers even more

produce,” she says.

specific tips and tools, including dinner party

The two main reasons participants threw

food estimations, best storage and freezing

food out were due to spoilage or “too little

practices and ways to revitalize wilted produce

to save.”

or burnt or overcooked food.

“Saving food starts with your mindset,”

SOLUTIONS

according to savethefood.com. “This mentality can

Many communities collect unused food from

unleash a burst of creativity you never realized

grocery stores, restaurants, schools and ski areas

you had — discovering new dishes and cooking

to help feed locals in need.

techniques, right in your own kitchen.” :

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

39

wellness + fitness

THE “INVISIBLE ARCHITECTURE” OF HABITS

SHAPE THE LIFE YOU WANT Words by Christine Emming

GLENN-CARSTENS-PETERS - UNSPLASH

A

s a young child, I adored the handmade

The only way to acquire a new habit is to

chart my mother created to remind my

start. What helps you sustain momentum? For

sisters and me to make our beds. At the end of

some people, it’s tangible rewards; for others,

a winding, paper road, she drew colorful ice

ticking a box will do. Fast forward 30 years,

cream cones. Oh, they called to me! We definitely

I still revert to the chart system my mother

earned those cones, but it was the pleasure of

introduced. To begin your new habit, follow

notching those little boxes, steadily working

these three steps:

towards a goal, that stuck with me.

40

“Habits are like the invisible architecture

TRACK IT

of daily life — research suggests that about 40

Having the ability to check progress quickly in a

percent of our existence is shaped by our habits,”

format that motivates you is key, whether you craft

writes Gretchen Rubin, author of Better Than

a chart or use technology to support your goals.

Before, on her blog.

I’m currently tracking three habits with

I think of habits as a gateway to achieving

Streaks2, an app on my phone, where I check

larger goals, like oral health by brushing teeth

boxes and earn a gold star if I complete my daily

daily. One of my life goals is starting an annual

tasks. It is rewarding to watch gold stars align in

family backpacking trip. If I break this idea

my calendar. I’m currently under the spell of (1)

into stairsteps, I can accomplish small pieces

five o’clock wake-ups. After (2) yoga stretches,

now. Tacking a hike onto our Friday schedule

I (3) write until my son appears at my elbow,

flexes the same backpacking muscles, and it’s

rumpled and darling, to ask for food.

a trackable step leading to my overall goal. I’ve

taped a mileage chart to the refrigerator, so we

to write in the quiet. After two weeks of dutiful

can tally the growing distance.

waking, the writing still came slow. Turns out my

Originally, I had only the 5 a.m. goal — I hoped

brain awakens sluggish and plodding. I added

early and the kitchen wasn’t clean, I’d end up

yoga stretches, and the energy and blood flow

tidying instead of writing.

worked! These three elements evolved together

in a way that promotes long-term success.

we hold until their dad arrives from work. So,

My kids used to fall apart after dinner, which

I spent after-dinner minutes snuggled on the

DEDICATE SPACE

couch with an exhausted child, reading stories.

Grow a new habit by tucking it into a specific

Now my kiddos are feeding pets and prepping

window of time. Having a distinct and logical

for bed without my steadying hand. Dynamics

place makes it easier to remember and repeat.

have shifted. I thought, “Why not start the day

For instance, I walk the dog when my husband

with a super clean kitchen?”

gets into the shower each morning. He waves,

bleary-eyed, and I put my shoes on. This gives

the table in our PJs before cuddling into bed. I’ve

me a 30-minute window where he’s available

wrangled both family bonding time and supported

to assist the kids if they need anything, and it

my morning writing habit with one change.

doesn’t require him to change his routine.

Now, kitchen clean, we often play a game on

Coddle your new habit, the way you’d

Most habits have an obvious place where

gently support a potty-training puppy. Turn that

they fit, either daily or weekly. Take a few

sweet, encouraging voice on yourself, and fix the

minutes to reorganize your time and create the

problem.

right space for the habit you’re building.

Perhaps I’ll reach a golden age where

awareness and focus merge into contentedness,

ADJUST AND REFINE

and then I’ll rest. I watch my parents for signs. For

I review my habits regularly, partly because my

now, I channel that motivation into building habits

kids build theirs based on my example. My early

to make life easier, more pleasing and focused on

wakeup is dedicated to writing. When I got up

where I’d like to go. You do the same. :

Ready to find a new place to rest your head?

Your perfect home awaits.

Welcome home.

AnnaRickenbach.com • 970.260.8362 • #AnnaSellsGJ

experience + adventure guide

Special Advertising Section

Lizard Head Cycling Guides Lizard Head Cycling Guides specializes in fully supported mountain bike vacations to the most remote and scenic landscape in the American West. This summer join them in their backyard of Colorado, where they are offering safe, family-friendly, kid wilding tours.

Lizardheadcyclingguides.com

A-LODGE BOULDER, LYONS + ADVENTURE VANS The Boulder Adventure Lodge (A-Lodge for short) was founded in 2014 and located just five minutes from Boulder up Boulder Canyon. The A-Lodge caters to outdoor enthusiasts who want to be close to town but stay in a more natural setting to hike, bike, climb or fish right out their door. The A-Lodge has gone through extensive renovations, and also just opened its second location in downtown Lyons — strategically located between Boulder and Rocky Mountain National Park. A-Lodge also offers its Adventure Van program, featuring custom-built vans for rent that include an induction stove, plussize sink, outdoor shower, mini-fridge, queen size plus bed, solar power, fan, furnace, lighting, racks for bikes inside the vehicle, storage and all the goodies from Mercedes Sprinter. a-lodge.com

42

Western Slope SUP Western Slope SUP specializes in stand up paddle adventures, from lessons to multi-day river tours.

Based in Hotchkiss, their signature SUP river trip tours the Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area. Check them out for rentals, whitewater rafting and SUP tours. westernslopesup.com

RockyTrax Adventure Rentals RockyTrax offers camper and dual sport/dirt bike rentals and guided off road bike tours in Western Colorado. RockyTrax has established federal permits to deliver and set up campers on nearby public lands — just let them know your needs! rockytrax.com

experience + adventure guide

Special Advertising Section BONESHAKER ADVENTURES Boneshaker Adventures empowers individuals and celebrates the joy of mountain biking through instruction, youth programs and adventures. Boneshaker Adventures believes the mountain bike is a powerful tool to build confidence and community. They offer instruction and mentorship programs for youth and adults, giving riders the skills necessary to overcome obstacles, on and off the trail. Riders build resilience and strengthen relationships, while joyfully cruising along Western Colorado’s world-class singletrack.

Boneshaker Adventures also offers mountain bike clinics — perfect for those who want to brush up on a specific technique or acquire a completely new skill. Complete beginners are welcome at the clinics, and will receive a great intro to helpful riding fundamentals from highly qualified coaches. Be sure to stay in the loop on all the upcoming summer camps and programming for riders of all ages and abilities. boneshakeradventures.com

MOAB 2020 YOGA & ADVENTURE WEEKEND In Your Element hosts its 7th annual Moab retreat! Thursday afternoon through Sunday morning, October 8-11, 2020. Spread your toes, take a deep breath in, and get ready for the most empowering adventure of the fall season. Join In Your Element for good times around the fire at Moab’s Goose Island campsite. Navajo Sandstone cliffs and the Colorado River provide the backdrop for morning and evening yoga and meditation practices. Enjoy gourmet camping cuisine for breakfast and dinner, and free time during the day to explore Moab’s world-renowned trails, rocks, rivers, rejuvenating spas and unique and funky downtown — just four miles from your tent. Exploring Earth, Fire, Water and Air through daily practices and inquiry will leave you In Your Element. $495 moab-2020-inyourelement.eventbrite.com

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

43

spoke

GET OUTSIDE!

GEAR FOR THE SEASON Compiled by S+B Staff

Oru Kayak Beach LT Pack this kayak, a 26-pound boat that gets down to the size of a large suitcase. It’s compact enough to store in your trunk, closet or garage. On the water, the 12-foot Beach LT is stable, intended for use in smooth, calm water.

It’s designed for first-time paddlers and beginners, but also fun for water enthusiasts of all levels. $1,199 - orukayak.com Gregory Maven Women’s Backpacking Pack This lightweight backpacking pack and the Paragon (mens-specific) just got updates this past spring. The packs feature a new suspension system with two flex panels in the lower back that adjust to the natural movements of your body. Easy-access pockets and stow options make it simple to access essentials Buff Pack Run Visor and UV+ Arm Sleeves Put these summer running

44

Klymit Drift Camp Pillow +

essentials in your pockets to

Klymaloft Sleeping Pad

be ready for all the elements.

Car camping can be more

The packable visor is four-way

comfortable with these versatile

ultra stretch and is 95-percent

pieces. The pillow has a

recycled. The stretchy and

comfortable, jersey cotton inner

lightweight arm sleeves offer

pillowcase and a durable water

UPF 40+ sun protection and

resistant shell for storage and

cooling moisture management,

transport. The plush foam topper

with a silicone grip to hold the

on the sleeping pad shapes to

sleeves in place on your upper

support your body as you move.

arms.

Camp Pillow: $39.95

Pack Run Visor: $24

Sleeping Pad: $149.95

UV+ Arm Sleeves: $25

klymit.com

buffusa.com

like sunglasses, hydration and additional layers. Available in three capacities, starting with the Maven 48-liter. $195.95 - $349.95 gregorypacks.com

Julbo SPARK These sunglasses are the bridge that connects urban and sport adventures. They stay in place when you’re playing outside, and the photochromic lenses you can choose make one set of shades versatile in dim and bright conditions. $129.95 - $219.95 julbo.com

GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Pro Stove Take advantage of this new packable stove option on wilderness adventures this summer.

It’s a full-size dual burner stove with retractable legs that packs down to 1.4 inches. $169.95 gsioutdoors.com

BioLite HeadLamp 200 This ultralight headlamp (only 1.7 ounces) doesn’t require any batteries and is charged via USB. Light options available range from white and red to strobe. It runs for 40 hours on low and three hours on high. $44.95 bioliteenergy.com

First Ascent Coffee Don’t sacrifice a great cup of coffee when you’re in the backcountry. First Ascent out of

Hillsound BTR Stool

Crested Butte has created a hand-

Available in 14-inch and 17-inch, this is an

crafted instant coffee that’s as

essential summer item to throw in your bag

convenient as it is delicious.

or on your back when you’re on the move.

8-Pack: $19.99

The BTR has “phantom lock technology” and

firstascentcoffee.com

is an ultra lightweight and packable tripod stool to pair with any outdoor adventure. $55 - $59 hillsound.com

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

45

Chaco Chillos Chaco Footwear just released this new slide sandal perfect for errands around town and into the outdoors. Designed to be lightweight, low profile and comfortable, this après activity slide is a go-to, featuring podiatrist-approved sweat relief, ample arch support and classic adjustable straps. $50 chacos.com

Honey Stinger Protein Waffles

Amundsen 5-Incher Field Shorts

Fuel up with these tasty,

These stretch Cordura shorts

fruit-filled snacks. Each

with waxed cotton canvas

waffle has 10 grams

reinforcements are perfect for

of protein to keep

leisure activities and outdoor

your muscles moving.

adventure. They are lightweight

Available in Wild Berry

and durable — an ideal summer

and Apple Cinnamon

choice for Colorado function and

flavors.

style.

Box of 12: $26.99

$149

honeystinger.com

amundsensports.com

Patagonia High Endurance Kit

Cooking in the backyard to the backwoods in seconds.

This new kit has everything an endurance runner needs, functioning as individual pieces and as an integrated system. The Endless Run Short and Airshed Pro Pullover are two of our favorite items, and every ounce of the whole kit is worth the investment.

6 items in kit: $45 - $249 patagonia.com

spoke

GEAR PROFILE

CANFIELD BIKES Words by Bobby L’Heureux | Photos courtesy of Canfield Bikes

C

anfield Bikes has recently made Mesa

Lance set his design aside and continued to race

County home by moving their production

other bikes. During a long drive home to Utah

facility to Fruita, Colorado. The company was

from a race in Big Bear, California, Lance was

founded after Lance Canfield, a mechanical

disappointed with his race results — he knew he

engineer with hotrod experience, started racing

would be faster on a better bike, and he knew he

downhill mountain bikes in 1994. Lance was not

could build a better bike.

satisfied with the bikes available at that time,

so he went to the drawing board and began

welder and developed what was the original

designing his own bike.

Canfield Brothers bike, the Big Fat Fatty Fat. The

The earliest Canfield design made it on paper

original bike was built around a parallel link

in 1996. He had never actually built a bike, so

design, based on the articulated performance of

Lance and his brother Chris enlisted a local

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

47

48

a suspension for a trophy truck, a vehicle used

in high-speed off-road racing. The bike was a

to Fruita in January. With a love for Colorado

monster, featuring 12 inches of travel front and

from past rides and races since 1994, and

rear. It also had a revolutionary rearward axle

past employment as an engineer and product

path that delivered uncompromising downhill

designer with White Brothers Suspension/EKO

performance and stability.

Sport, now MRP, it seemed like the best fit for

their new facility.

Both Lance and Chris put the Big Fat Fatty Fat

Canfield Bikes officially made the move

to the test. Lance competed in his first four Red

Bull Rampages while Chris chased World Cups

my heart. I have fond memories of working and

“Colorado has always had a special place in

around the globe. Some true, comprehensive

riding here,” shares Lance. “The bike community

and hands-on research and development. This

is so amazing and I’ve made so many friends

bike was designed by riders for riders.

here. With a like-minded talent pool, I can’t

developed a few years ago that’s currently on all our full-suspension bikes,” he says.

It’s the first suspension design to maintain

near 100-percent anti-squat throughout the entire range of the bike’s travel, which makes it extremely efficient while remaining active and plush.

All Canfield Bikes are designed to be durable

and low maintenance so you can spend less time wrenching and more time riding. They’re built tough and tested to high standards — even their trail bikes are built to downhill standards.

By the time you are reading this article the

first-round of 2020 bikes will be in-stock and ready to ride and ship. Canfield Bikes is excited for people to get out for a ride, and selfishly they want to ride them too. They are also working on some new bikes and can’t wait to share those with the world.

Lance Canfield signs a bike.

think of a better location to grow our team and the brand in the coming years.”

It is centrally located for shipping as well,

and has the benefits of year-round riding, great access to high-country biking and lift-served bike parks in the summer.

Canfield Bikes has always built bikes they

want to ride. As it turns out, other people want to ride them too.

“The focus is on geometry that is fast

and fun,” Lance explains. “Our bikes offer up confidence-inspiring stability mixed with playful, nimble handling. We’ve always been a bit ahead of the curve in that respect — long front centers, slack head-angles, short rear ends.

Back in 2011, our Yelli Screamy hardtail was the first 29er with sub-17-inch chainstays.

“The bike had big wheels and was actually

fun to ride,” he adds. “It felt like you were in the bike rather than on top of it, and it was agile and descended like an all-mountain bike.”

Suspension is another thing that Lance says

has set Canfield apart.

“We’ve been refining parallel link suspension

designs since the 90s, from the rearward axle path of the Formula 1 suspension found on the Jedi, to the patented CBF suspension we

“There’s just something special about riding

a rad bike from a small rider-owned company that produces in small batches that stands apart from the other mass-produced bikes on the market,” says Lance. “Canfield riders are like a family.” :

spoke

ATHLETE PROFILE

ALEXIS SKARDA Words + Photos by Jesse Selwyn

W

50

ithout warning, another rider appeared

practicing triathlon transitions, the process of

at my side. She was dressed in a blue

changing from swimming to biking to running,

and fiery orange race kit, smiling easily as she

when a neighbor’s child asked why she was

turned the pedals at a pace that would have

doing it.

me gritting my teeth in effort. It was 30-year-

old

and didn’t know how to respond at the time. I

Alexis

Skarda,

Grand

Junction’s

star

“I thought that was a weird question to ask

professional mountain biker. She was born to

just wanted to be fast!”

go fast. In fact, her first cycling-related memory

dates back to when she was 9 years old and

Alexis’s focus through middle and high school

Her parents were runners and triathletes.

became running. Cycling was a very small part

someone so close. I decided to work my skills

of her existence at the time, and even then, it was

with another local woman, Sara Landis, who is

usually a road ride. This would change during

an amazing technical rider. She helped me see

her time attending Colorado Mesa University

that the way men and women ride is different

(CMU) in Grand Junction, shocking everyone

because of our bodies, our balance and how we

who knew her.

think. Sara was able to explain things in a way

Alexis started at CMU as a leading runner

that made sense, and her confidence rubbed

in the cross country program. Eventually, when

off on me. She was instrumental in helping me

an injury prevented her from running, her

understand that I already had the skills. I just

coach recognized her need for an outlet and

needed the belief. I think this is true for most

made a rare exception by allowing her to race

women,” she exclaims.

a mountain bike. “At the time, CMU’s mountain

bike program was small and in need of female

moved through the women’s ranks. She’s ridden

riders, so they were willing to take me on mid-

to podium finishes in races such as the Grand

With this new approach, Alexis rapidly

season,” she says.

“I wasn’t a huge fan of mountain biking at

“I already had the skills. I just needed the belief. I think this is true for most women.”

— Alexis Skarda

first — I liked the solid workout of a road bike more,” she adds. She stuck with it and soon discovered that the more she rode, the more she enjoyed it. She found the challenges and freedom

Junction Off Road, National Pro XTC races and has

thrilling. Thanks to her huge fitness base from

twice represented the USA at mountain biking’s

a lifetime of running, she quickly excelled,

highest level, the World Championships. Though

winning collegiate nationals her first year

her racing schedule takes her throughout the

riding. She repeated her winning performance

U.S. and Europe, Alexis enjoys coming home to

the following two years, while also managing to

share her experience with others.

graduate and earn a teaching certificate.

“I love the Grand Valley! I’ve got some of the best

trails right in my backyard and the weather is

Then, she decided to leap into professional

mountain bike racing. “It’s funny, in mountain

good for riding year-round,” she says.

biking you’re either an amateur or a professional,

there isn’t a middle ground. You’re thrown to the

mountain bike team, her depth of experience

wolves. I went from being at the front of the pack

instrumentally helps the CMU women bring

to the back of the pack. I wasn’t used to losing,

home multiple championships. Then there are

and I had to dig deep to discover the motivation

the frequent rides with local high school teams

to do it for myself and not rely on the external

and her involvement in Grand Valley Youth

motivation from winning,” she explains.

Cycling. She enjoys leading the GJ Off-Road pre-

As an assistant coach to the CMU women’s

In the subsequent years, Alexis attacked

ride and teaching clinics, such as Girls on Bikes.

her weaknesses so she could compete with the

Her best advice to other riders? “Ride with

world’s best. One of these weaknesses appeared

people who make it a good experience and don’t

after a crash on one of Grand Junction’s

be hard on yourself. After all, it’s just bikes!”

technical trails left her with an injury. She lost

her confidence to ride difficult terrain.

season being shaken up by a pandemic, Alexis is

This advice isn’t just fluff. With the 2020

“I realized that to be competitive at the

staying positive. She continues to smile through

highest levels, I needed to improve at technical

training miles with her goal to lead the pack

riding. I needed to relearn how to approach

across the finish line at races that include the

technical features,” she says.

Grand Junction Off Road, Breck Epic, Marathon

Though she’d session difficult trail features

Nationals and XC Nationals. If this year doesn’t

with Geoff, her significant other, it wasn’t

happen, she’ll be back next year. “I plan on racing

working. “He’s a great teacher and so patient,

another four or five years. As long as I’m still

but it’s just too easy to get frustrated or doubt

improving and having fun, I’ll keep pushing.” :

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

51

family

ROCKYTRAX REVS UP FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY Words by Lauren Farrauto | Photos courtesy of RockyTrax

I

52

f you grow up on a farm or a ranch, chances

working from home in order to spend more time

are you’ll develop a love for the outdoors.

with his family. The Hanks family feels very

This was certainly true for Andy Hanks, owner

strongly about getting outside. After years of dirt

of RockyTrax.

biking and camping, they realized they wanted

As a child, Hanks always wanted to explore.

to share their family pastimes with others.

He rode horses and dirt bikes all around his

RockyTrax is owned and operated by Hanks

family ranch and spent as much time as possible

right from his ranch outside Grand Junction.

in the great outdoors. As his own family grew, he

strove to cultivate a love of the outdoors in his

business was an easy decision,” Hanks explains.

own children.

Three years ago, Hanks asked himself, “Can

off-road riding lessons and guided tours. Hanks

I help introduce another family to something

has three campers for rent — a 30-foot family size

that’s had such an impact on our family?” In

camper, a 19-foot camper that sleeps four and is

response, he decided to open RockyTrax, a dirt

suited for both light off-road and campgrounds,

bike and camper rental company run out of his

and a small, off-road camper geared towards

own home.

remote camping. The campers can be delivered

Hanks lives on a small ranch just outside

to a location and set up by Hanks, or families

Grand Junction with his wife, Kristi, and their

are welcome to camp on Hanks’ 100-acre ranch,

four kids. After working in the corporate world

which has easy access to mountain bike trails and

for 26 years, Hanks decided it was time to start

the Colorado National Monument.

“Converting our family’s passion into a RockyTrax offers camper and dirt bike rentals,

If dirt bikes are more your speed, Hanks

With RockyTrax, customers should feel free

offers rentals, lessons and guided tours for

to mix and match their experience. Come for the

adults of any skill level. Two separate guided

weekend and stay on the ranch in a camper while

tour routes allow those of different abilities to

learning how to dirt bike. Have half the family

still enjoy the experience and can be half-day,

camp, while the others adventure into Utah on

full-day or multi-day for a truly customizable

dirt bikes. Rent a few campers with your friends

experience.

intermediate

and family and have your own backcountry

route will take bikers off-road into Telluride to

expedition. The possibilities for adventure with

experience incredible views. The more technical

RockyTrax are as vast as the terrain that can be

and challenging route guides explorers into

explored.

Montrose, over the mountains, into Moab and

finally back to Grand Junction.

disagree on what is the best way to connect with

nature.

The

beginner

to

Hanks will happily take care of the all details

Hanks reflects on how many people often

of your rental or lesson experience. “Our service

goes beyond renting a camper and sending our

camper,” says Hanks, “all those are great ways to

“Dirt biking, camping in a tent, camping in a

customers on their way,” he says.

view the outdoors.” rockytrax.com :

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

53

take a hike

CRAG CREST TRAIL LOOP Words + Photos by Melanie Wiseman

T

he spectacular backbone of the vast Grand

GETTING TO THE TRAILHEAD

Mesa is Crag Crest Trail. Literally the east-

Just one paved road, Colorado Highway 65 (the

west spine of what is touted as the world’s largest

Grand Mesa National Scenic and Historic Byway)

flat top mountain, Crag Crest Trail offers families

crosses the Grand Mesa between the towns of

and seasoned hikers 360˚ views of scenic beauty

Mesa on the north and Cedaredge on the south.

up to 100 miles away.

Crag Crest Trail (FS Trail 711) can be accessed

Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps

from two trailheads. The most convenient is

in the late 1930s/early 40s, this epic hike was

considered the west trailhead near mile marker

designated as a National Recreation Trail by the

27, because of its easy access off Highway 65,

United States Forest Service in March of 1978.

large paved parking lot and facilities.

For many locals such as myself, trekking the

Crag Crest Trail Loop is an annual tradition.

Campground across from Eggleston Lake off FS

Its accessibility, uncompromising vistas and

Road 121 (Trickle Park Road). You can hike the

upper-moderate level of difficulty draw not just

entire loop from either trailhead or out and back

locals, but national and international visitors.

hikes of your choosing. With spurs to the loop

At its summit, hikers will traverse a

of differing lengths from the trailheads, the loop

panoramic two-mile narrow ridge overlooking

can vary between 10 and 11 miles. Just the upper

a playground paradise of 300 lakes, streams,

section of the loop is 6.6 miles and across the

campgrounds, fishing spots, horseback riding

bottom is 3.4 miles. Another option is a shorter

trails and boating areas. To the east are the Elk

up and over hike with a vehicle shuttle between

Range 14,000-foot peaks near Aspen, Mount

trailheads, saving you about 3 miles.

Sneffels and the Wilson group in the San Juan

The east trailhead is at the Crag Crest

Range to the south, and the LaSal mountains

THE HIKE

in Utah to the west. Remember to watch your

Beginning at the west end trailhead, the rewards

footing on the jagged volcanic rock trail as you

are almost immediate as the trail leaves the

skirt the ridge. Best to stop when you admire the

trees and crosses one of many wildflower-filled

views and take photos.

meadows. The trail switchbacks over a rugged upheaval of porous lava rocks before entering

54

a shady pine forest and a milder incline. You’ll

trail unless you carry a water filter. Take snacks

quickly find it was all worth it as you break

and sunglasses and use sunscreen and insect

out above tree line on the crest, exposing you

repellent.

to breathtaking views and bouquets of purple

columbine jutting from between the jagged

highest, most exposed sections of the trail by the

rocks. The crest tops out at a lofty 11,189 feet just

afternoon when rain and, more significantly,

shy of the highest point on the Grand Mesa, Leon

thunderstorms and potential lightening are

Peak to the east at 11,234 feet.

common.

The trail is well marked with distance and

Start early in the day, so you are off the

Sturdy hiking boots are recommended over

directional signs for the Crag Crest Trail or routes

tennis shoes or sport sandals due to the sharp,

to other lake destinations and the Visitor Center.

irregular lava rocks.

Because of its elevation, the season for

WHAT TO REMEMBER

Crag Crest Trail can be fairly short. Depending

Take your time, and allow enough time — at

on previous winter snowfall, get out and enjoy

least six hours. The usual Colorado precautions

this stunning adventure early- to mid-July to

are in order. Carry plenty of water and drink

mid-October. :

regularly. There are no water sources on the

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

55

56

stay + play

CARBONDALE, COLORADO

CEDAR RIDGE RANCH Words by Lexi Reich | Photos courtesy of Cedar Ridge Ranch

N

ow more than ever, a glamping vacation

mattress, propane grill, and a bathroom with a

seems like the perfect travel escape. At

porcelain sink and rain shower in the property’s

Cedar Ridge Ranch in Carbondale, Colorado,

two safari tents, yurt or fully-equipped cabin.

scenic mountain views of the Roaring Fork Valley

and state-of-the-art outdoor accommodations

Ridge Ranch in 1999 and their daughter Merrill

make it an ideal stay for outdoorsmen and

manages the property. The family-run business

luxury travelers alike. From April to October,

started off as an equestrian-centered ranch, and

the ranch offers unique services that promote

has since transitioned to offering farm tours,

connection and creation to bring in visitors from

alpaca yoga, fiber felting classes and horseback

all around the world.

riding lessons to guests.

The 100-acre estate is a serene and

Pam and Randy Johnson founded Cedar

“We want to be inclusive, not exclusive,”

inspirational environment for those looking

Pam says. “I think the way we put it out there has

to connect with animals and the land without

been an amazing filter. We have the neatest folks

sacrificing

visiting; we’ve become friends with so many of

amenities.

Enjoy

a

comfortable

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

57

them. Their perspective on the world outside of

“We started repurposing everything,” Pam

us — being in our little cocoon here — is really

explains. For instance, the horse stall in the

special.”

barn has been refurbished into an artist space

There are horses to ride and quiet evenings

for creative gatherings and to host farm-to-table

under a canvas of stars — this getaway is meant

meals. When visitors arrive, fresh eggs, bacon,

to reunite the outdoor spirit that exists within

bratwurst and goat milk greet them.

all of us.

In their farm store you can also purchase

fresh pork, eggs, alpaca fiber and apparel. The

58

STEWARDS OF THE LAND

farm is home to heritage breed animals and Pam

Merrill studied sustainable practices in college,

says they are much better for the land. Plus, they

and soon sustainability became the forefront of

make and sell compost to the local communities

the Cedar Ridge Ranch mission.

of Carbondale and Aspen.

FARM TO FASHION One of Pam’s favorite offerings is the alpaca fiber soap felting workshop, also known as “Kiss an Alpaca and Learn to Felt.” She walks guests through the history, traditions and techniques of the natural exfoliant, detailing ways you can use the silky fibers and leave nothing to waste. Also join their rescued alpacas in an “Alpaca Fiber to Fashion” workshop, a true “farm to fashion” favorite!

Take a break from technology overload and

reconnect with nature’s rhythm at Cedar Ridge Ranch. cedarridgeranch.com :

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

59

getaway

BOULDER + LYONS

A-LODGE + ADVENTURE VANS Words by Bobby L’Heureux | Photos courtesy of A-Lodge

W

ith limited options for people to get away

this summer, A-Lodge is set up to provide

Firestone shares. “The foundation-less original

multiple ways for you and the family to head out

lobby took a year and half to get permits and to

on an adventure or indulge in some out-of-town

complete the demolition. It was scary, having no

downtime.

idea about owning a hotel and having no lobby,

but we figured it out.”

Located two miles from downtown Boulder

“We wanted to invest in community first,”

up beautiful Fourmile Canyon sits the Boulder

Adventure Lodge — the original A-Lodge. Asa

the rooms over the past five years and recently

They have been in renovation mode for all of

Firestone, one of the founders, had a vision to

finished.

create a hostel for Boulder-based adventurers.

60

He started looking for properties to fit his vision

SAFE + SUSTAINABLE

and found the Boulder Mountain Lodge. A few

Sustainability and limited impact are just a few of

weeks and a few investors later, the lodge was

the values at the A-Lodge. The railings inside the

purchased with existing guests.

community lobby are from Aspen Mountain’s ski

The new team quickly converted two suites

lift cables and the hearth above the fireplace is

into hostel-style rooms, kept the rest of the hotel

the beam from the original lobby at the Boulder

intact and built a community lobby.

Mountain Lodge. The lobby now has electric car

charging ports to help make the building LEEDS

They have experiences listed on the A-Lodge

certified, “with hopes we will achieve the Gold

website, highlighting local guide companies that

certification,” shares Firestone.

provide robust adventure options.

A–Lodge Boulder has become a place for

We attended a media event this winter at

adventures of many kinds to stay and play. The

A–Lodge Boulder. The open-air feeling of the

property hosts a bluegrass picking session once a

campus was so welcoming and felt like glamping

week and film nights in the summer with a 25-foot

with a room. It was easy for us to go to Eldora

inflatable screen. It’s also a great place to hold staff

for a day of skiing and the access to activities

retreats, sales meetings and corporate outings.

and nature was amazing. It was nice to have a

In the wake of the global pandemic, A-Lodge

warm room and shower to come home to, rather

is set up well to keep visitors safe. Each room

than a tent. We are excited to load up the bikes

has its own exterior entrance with no shared

for an adventure in Lyons and a stay at the new

ventilation or hallways. There are also campsites

A–Lodge Lyons when it is ready for us.

on property. The property is suited for those who are comfortable gathering and has enough space

ADVENTURE VAN RENTALS

for those who are not.

Another option for adventure this summer is an

The team at A-Lodge has made it easy to use

A–Lodge Adventure Van. Each van is specifically

the lodge as a hub for your adventure of choice.

designed for bikers, climbers, skiers and hikers

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

61

by Titan Vans. There is a module set up to remove

Titan Van will take the rental cost of an A-Lodge

and move storage, and racks to customize the

Adventure Van off your build up to $1,500 —

van for your experience.

what a great way to try before you buy.

“Our vans are designed and built by an

to look for opportunities to make adventure

and streamlined for function, not as sexy as the

more accessible for all.

reclaimed wood you may have seen in others,”

shares Firestone.

outdoor adventures, whether you’re climbing,

Each A-Lodge Adventure Van includes an

fishing, skiing, cycling, hiking or taking in

induction stove, plus-sized sink, outdoor shower,

a town,” he shares. “A-Lodge and A-Lodge

mini-fridge, queen-size bed, solar power, fan,

Adventure Vans offers instant access to all your

furnace, lighting and indoor storage for bikes,

favorite adventures and the right amenities

skis and gear.

to come home to after an exciting day off the

beaten path.

The collaboration with Titan Vans is perfect

“Our goal is to give you access to the best

for maintenance and is great branding for both

organizations. It is also good for those who are

Lyons, that recently opened. a-lodge.com :

planning on building out their own custom van.

62

Firestone and the crew at A-Lodge continue

engineer for the adventurer. They are clean

Also check out their new project, A-Lodge

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

63

KAYLAN ROBINSON

64

feature

PHOENIX HAUS Healthy and affordable living can start with a more sustainable home.

By Bobby L’Heureux | Photos courtesy of Phoenix Haus

S

ustainable living focuses on a lifestyle that

A few years later McDonald’s nuclear family

avoids the depletion of natural resources

dissolved. His mother and siblings moved into a

and one’s personal resources in order to

big beautiful home on 85 acres in rural Michigan.

maintain an ecological balance. Many people

and communities are shifting their choices to

felt empty. It was literally cold and disconnected,”

be more sustainable. The folks at Phoenix Haus

he shares. It lacked a community filled with

are helping people do this with their homes. The

neighbors and friends. “I watched and witnessed

Grand Junction-based company is committed to

the lack of efficiency and the wasted space for a

solving unhealthy housing with a “prefabricated

family of four,” adds McDonald.

passive house” design and construction.

“The focus is on the healthy outdoors-type of

a better way to live and create more health from

person who is looking to do high performance

your home. This was and is still the driving force

with low energy,” says Bill McDonald, founder of

behind his career path and a foundation for the

Phoenix Haus.

values of Phoenix Haus.

“The family home had land to explore and it

Even at that young age, he knew there must be

McDonald’s inspiration for this building

process stems from his childhood. He grew up

HEALTHY MATERIALS

in Michigan as one of three children. McDonald

Phoenix Haus relocated to Grand Junction in

suffered from severe allergies that triggered life-

2017 from Detroit, Michigan. They saw the

threatening breathing issues — those that were

majority of their orders and clientele coming

further exacerbated by dirt, dust, mold and

from Colorado and started exploring new

mildew, both indoors and out. In the mid 90s,

locations for their facility.

filtered fresh air ventilation was not a readily

available technology.

Midwest, which seems surprising since the west

“Colorado is more progressive than the

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

65

and east coasts tend to be even more progressive.

We call it the Rocky Mountain client,” McDonald

is being completed up at Powderhorn Mountain

The first model show house, Homestead 19,

explains.

Resort. Phoenix Haus will be hosting a grand

Within close proximity to their immediate

opening weekend September 5 and 6, 2020,

clients, Phoenix Haus is able to provide the best

at 408 Coyote Run from 12 to 5 p.m. each day.

service from design to construction by working

Visitors can sign up at the open house to win a

with the homeowner and designers on the

two-night stay at Homestead 19.

multiple uses of their home and property.

“We did it using our system, using healthy

“ We a r e t a l k i n g b e y o n d a c t u a l l y

materials,” McDonald explains. “We do not use

manufacturing a panel. We get more involved

any foam or oil-based chemicals. We are wood

with how we offer a designer the end use;

based, cutting and processing everything here in

how we are programming the end use is really

Grand Junction.”

important,” he shares.

Their facility is owned by Colorado Mesa

potential clients will be able to book a stay to get

University (CMU). McDonald says the Phoenix

a hands-on experience with how Phoenix Haus

Haus team enjoys the community connection

homes look, feel and perform.

Once Homestead 19 is complete, curious

this provides. They have developed a training

66

program for CMU students to develop new skills

PARADIGM OF SUSTAINABILITY

and labor opportunities.

The cost of owning a home continues to rise with

“It creates a nice young attitude and a fresh

the cost of construction. Demand is rising too —

look at things,” says McDonald. “Even though the

in some areas, contractors have a waiting period

students are not as experienced to the extent that

of two to three years. The prefabricated home

we are, they have been in a training program

from Phoenix Haus is competitively priced and

with us the whole time.”

cuts the construction time down dramatically.

Phoenix Haus is working to dial in the

“On top of that, what we bring to the table is

process of experiencing their product fully.

a paradigm shift,” says McDonald. “Yes, we are

“You see model homes and house walks,”

building it off-site. That has been done for some

shares McDonald. “We are taking that to the next

time, but what we are adding to that equation

level and making it available for people to be

is what we call “healthiness” — we design these

able to make a booking and stay for a night.”

houses to run with renewable or solar systems.”

Phoenix Haus has localized this European-

Community is something that was lacking

inspired building system and also made it more

in McDonald’s childhood home. As people start

approachable and affordable. In addition,

to shift into more permanent living situations,

Phoenix Haus is integrating a multi-generational

Phoenix Haus is able to pivot with them. Options

option to their builds.

like co-living can be helpful by cutting down

the overall cost of housing for developers and

“Housing has become so expensive, and

generally folks are finding ways to innovate their

owners.

housing units and how they live,” McDonald

says. “What I see evolving a lot now are attached

outdoor and family sectors, we can create living

additional housing units that can have a multi-

environments that are mixed-use. These create

generational use.”

little communities and are pretty sharp looking

Phoenix Haus has been working in the

and powerful,” explains McDonald. “It is not just

single-family arena, and McDonald says they

the materials, is it? It is how we actually live and

plan to continue that while still evolving.

who we are living with.”

“Building homes is what we do, but our

“With the communities that exist in the

Phoenix Haus’s next public project is

‘why’ also deals with solving this housing crisis,

Homestead 30 and it will be developed in Mesa

as it’s called,” McDonald shares. “Talking about

County. The co-living space is designed to reduce

what the next generation wants for housing

rental costs for the end users. They will be

units stays front-of-mind for Phoenix Haus. As

looking for an outdoor adventure-seeking type

people are ready to buy or go somewhere long-

to live among other like-minded individuals.

term, the equation is very different than it was

10 years ago or even five years ago. So, if we are

to creating communities that are developed and

coming up with better platforms and ways to do

nurtured with a paradigm of sustainability. :

As they evolve, Phoenix Haus is committed

that more creatively and competitively-priced, that is when people get excited.”

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

67

feature

THE OTHER “MEALS ON WHEELS”

FOOD TRUCK CULTURE IN WESTERN COLORADO Words by Hector Salas | Photo courtesy of Underdog Cheese

W

68

estern Colorado is known for many

he adds, and it’s an opportunity to connect with

iconic vistas, outdoor adventures and

friends and community.

experiences, and now, the emerging popularity

of local food trucks. Just like in Los Angeles and

and satisfaction from filling your tummy with

Houston where some of the best food trucks exist,

something delicious!”

Western Colorado offers unique opportunities

for enthusiastic restaurant owners to fill a

curiosity,”

growing food service market. Offering accessible

Palisade’s Underdog Cheese.

and quality food in this region adds to the overall

living experience.

the possibilities are endless,” says Steinbrunn.

“If you find a grouping of food trucks you can

Clusters of communities thrive in their

“And most of all,” says Vaughn, “the comfort

“A food truck will always pique your explains

Tara

Steinbrunn

from

“What do they have? Tacos, pizza, cheese,

closeness to one another. Yet, it is not out of the

travel the world in an afternoon.”

norm to drive half an hour to get to the next city

or to try that perfect food truck taco. We value

discovering a hidden gem that they can share

mobility as much as the food service industry

with their friends and family. “You have to track

values adaptability. By the very nature of the

them down and try to get there before they sell

industry, a food truck, its cook staff and patrons

out,” adds Steinbrunn. “Eating at a food truck

must be adaptable to the changing times.

is more of an experience than a traditional

restaurant and some days you just want to lie in

Ed Vaughn from Taco Bliss in Paonia

Food trucks make people feel like they are

describes the food truck experience as “good food

the grass and eat cheese!”

that doesn’t break the bank.” It gives customers

a chance to be outside and enjoy some fresh air,

the Western Slope. Although all connected, each

Yet, cities and towns are spread out over

individual place has its unique identity. How then

evolves from coming back again and again.

does the humble food truck keep its presence in a

Groups of families and friends stop by often; new

widespread community like Western Colorado?

menu items are tested out. Again, the culture is being built one interaction and one exchange at

ONE EXCHANGE AT A TIME

a time.

Local breweries love to highlight the importance

of working closely with local farmers and other

need,” says Vaughn. “Seeking out favorable food

businesses so that the best quality product can

can’t help but lead to connection, whether [it’s]

be made, served and consumed. Similarly, our

with the grower, seller or cooker of the food.

food trucks and trailers strive to deliver the best

Connection is one of the true beauties of eating

possible product by working with locally-grown

and sharing food.”

ingredients.

“Food is one of the few things in life we all

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic,

It has been true for a long time now that

small businesses have struggled to maintain

the resources we grow in our soil turn into the

the necessary steam to continue operation. In

delicious food we then eat later. Our food reflects

Western Colorado, we’ve seen the community

every home-grown part of our way of life.

rally behind the smaller shops we took for

“The food produced in this valley is part of

granted only a few months ago. Residents are

a tradition hundreds of years old and is second

buying gift cards to their favorite local spots.

nature to the people of the Western Slope,”

They order curbside pickup. Both the owners

shares Steinbrunn. “That means we all have a

and patrons are becoming increasingly creative

bond to agriculture here; you might live next

and generous in their support. The local food

to a corn field or love visiting our spectacular

truck and trailer industry benefits from these

farmers’ markets, but the culture of growing real

same strong connections built over time.

delicious food touches all our lives. The same

food that makes our community so great also

as important for food trucks and trailers as it is

serves to represent us to the rest of the world.

for other restaurants,” Vaughn shares.

No matter where you live or what you believe

we can all agree on the joy of a juicy peach in

frozen meal delivery service to their supportive

your fist.”

and loyal customers. Like so many businesses,

Vaughn is just waiting for that day when he can

Food trucks and trailers can take pride in

“Creating an atmosphere and culture is just

This past May, Taco Bliss was still selling a

knowing that their dishes reflect the culinary

fully reopen.

identity of the region. In turn, local and visiting

customers can take pride in supporting that same

community has been more than we could have

culinary identity. Here in Western Colorado, the

ever imagined,” shares Steinbrunn. “People

customer is equally a part in sustaining exciting

are really rallying behind small businesses and

food ventures as the cook and the product

making it a point to come out and buy what they

supplier.

can. Nobody wants to see people get hurt and we

In the world of food trucks, the cooks and

are grateful this community has come together

patrons are bound together in a near ritualistic

to help the food service industry adjust to this

way. The patron waits in line, scanning the menu

new environment.”

drawn in chalk or marker by the small window

where the cook leans out occasionally to hand

the community, as well. Have Cooker Will Travel

out orders or to say hello. If a patron finds a good

and The Buttered Biscuit have scheduled free

food truck, they feel connected to it.

food service for certain people in the community.

The relationship between the truck’s staff

“During this crisis the support from the

Some food trucks have been giving back to

The industry’s natural mobility has provided

and the customers is initially based on the food,

a unique opportunity to serve Western Colorado

but the experience expands from there — it

with the same enthusiasm and genuine care that

becomes about the continuity and kinship that

have always been there. :

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

69

70

feature

GRAND MESA ULTRAMARATHON SERIES CONNECTS COMMUNITY

MORE THAN MILES Words by MacKennea Broyles | Photos courtesy of Kristi Siman, Grand Mesa Ultras

I

t’s a brisk July morning at the Mesa Top

Although saddened, Siman says, “We were dying

Trailhead and dawn is just getting ready to

at the possibility of what this might lead to.”

break. High above the Grand Valley, on a dirt

road at the top of the Grand Mesa, more than

the series was handed over to the duo. In a six-

Vig connected with the former director, and

200 runners are stretching out and warming

week flurry of activity, Siman and Vig lowered

up. They’re getting ready to run anywhere from

prices, moved the start line to offer access to

30 kilometers to 100 miles. An ultramarathon is

campgrounds, added a shorter distance option

defined by distance — anything greater than the

and promised an afterparty to remember. They

26.2 miles in a marathon — but the event about

were tasked with convincing runners to re-sign

to take place is measured in more than just its

up and had a goal of 30 participants. More than

mileage.

70 showed up to race. “We were like, ‘okay, this is awesome’,” recalls Siman.

ON YOUR MARKS …

In 2014, after moving back to his hometown of

RUGGED ROUTES

Grand Junction, Scott Vig ran his first-ever 100-

One aspect that sets the GMU Series apart from

mile race. It was one of three races in the Grand

other ultramarathons is the course itself. An

Mesa Ultramarathon Series (GMU Series), and

intersection of beauty and pain, the views are

his only thought upon finishing was how the

as breathtaking as the altitude, and refreshing

race had “annihilated” him. Vig’s partner, Kristi

mountain breezes can quickly turn to summer

Siman, attempted the series’ 60k the following

monsoons.

year, but had to drop out due to gut issues.

Exhaustion and stomach troubles aside, Siman

Vig back after his first excruciating 100 miler. “I

says, “We fell in love with the Mesa and the

loved how rugged and remote these trails are

course.”

compared to other races,” he says.

Siman and Vig heard that the director of

This was one of the features that kept luring

For Jen Stagner, who has run countless

the series was nearing the end of his time as

ultramarathons, including the series’ 55K twice,

a race director and they began to dream of

this strange combination tempts her, as well. “You

directing it themselves. Directing races was not

have to take what the mountains give you,” she

a new endeavor for the duo. Before moving

says, “It reinforces that sense of mental fortitude.

back to Grand Junction, they had established

‘Am I going to be tough or am I going to cry

a Thanksgiving 5k (“turkey trot”) in Chicago.

about it?’ You have to just keep moving. Like life,

The race benefits hospice and is a memorial to

sometimes, you just have to get through it.”

Siman’s grandmother.

For the next few years, each time after the

and deceptively challenging. People look at it

stunning Mesa race, Siman and Vig considered

and think ‘eh, it’s not that hard,’ and then they

approaching the director and offering to take it

get out there and suffer. That’s appealing, in a

on, but could never find the right words to say so.

weird, ultrarunner way.”

Then, in June of 2016, the news broke: The

Grand Mesa Ultramarathon Series was cancelled.

Of the course, Stagner adds, “It’s beautiful

James Roche, who has run the series’

55k once and its 50-mile race twice, concedes

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

71

that, “Although the course is flat, it has gnarly

yourself. When you do run into someone, you get

terrain.” However, this is easily forgiven. “The

that ‘lost in the woods’ sense of camaraderie.”

Grand Mesa is one of the more unique areas in

Colorado, even in the country,” says Roche. “You

the trail each year as a celebration of her kids

start early enough to see the sunrise on Crag

returning to school, shares a similar sentiment.

Crest. It’s truly incredible.”

“I personally feel like it’s my backyard. I have

Stagner, who runs the Crag Crest portion of

that connection — those are my trails,” she

72

RUN FOR ALL

explains.

The “low-key” atmosphere that Vig experienced

during his 100-mile race is an aspect he and

cultivate are important to both the participants

Siman are committed to keeping. Awards are

and the directors. When he isn’t running, Roche is

handmade by Vig himself, and the afterparty

a father, a professor at Colorado Mesa University

thrown by Vig and Siman is always a big hit. The

and online at Eastern Illinois University and a

camaraderie at the end of the races is something

registered dietitian who works at three hospitals

Siman holds dear. “In this day, where there’s so

in the Grand Valley. Stagner is a mom of three

much negativity and everything is fast-paced, it’s

and a seasonal wilderness ranger with the Forest

nice to provide an environment where people

Service. Even Siman has a full-time job in audit

can do the things they love with people they

and risk for a credit card company.

love,” she says.

Roche agrees. “You feel like you’re in [the

welcomed wholeheartedly at the GMU Series.

race] with everyone else that’s out there. There

“We see families that make T-shirts for their

aren’t many people, so you get a lot of time to

runners, some volunteer at the aid station.

The quality time and togetherness these races

This balance of work, life and family is

They’re so invested in following their runners.

routes. However, Siman and Vig never want

We try really hard to be open to that — as long

to

as it’s safe — to let people get out there and

“Everyone always asks us if we want to grow it

be with the people that make them happiest,”

crazy big like other races,” Siman shares, “but we

says Siman.

quite like the personal touches that the smaller

compromise

the

close-knit

atmosphere.

race affords.”

IN IT FOR THE LONG RUN

In the wake of COVID-19 and the cancellation

as a party of two is difficult, “Nothing to me is

of races worldwide, Siman remains optimistic.

negative,” says Siman, “it makes it all worth it

“We’re hopeful,” she says, “I’m grateful that it

knowing you are facilitating something that

Although planning and directing races

isn’t scheduled until the end of July. We have our fingers crossed.” Siman also hopes that this will have a lasting effect on trail running and possibly add new members to its welcoming community.

“I can’t believe how many people I see out and about right now. I pull up to trailheads and

It’s beautiful and deceptively challenging.

People look at it and think ‘eh, it’s not that hard,’ and then they get out there and suffer.

That’s appealing, in a weird, ultrarunner way.

they’re way more crowded. Maybe this will have some sort of lasting effect in that way,” she muses.

people are working so hard for. You wouldn’t

As the race heads into its fifth year under

think you’d be that invested, but watching

the direction of Siman and Vig, more big dreams

someone cross the finish line, you realize

sit on the horizon. Siman hints, “We’re always

how much effort that takes. We get so much

scheming.” Plans include a possible one-mile

joy out of it.” :

fun run for kids and prospective new race

Element inspired yoga classes Gourmet camping cuisine Weekend of riverside camping Guided meditation Group adventure hike Time to relax and explore

MOAB 2020 YOGA + ADVENTURE RETREAT MOVEMENT | NATURE | COMMUNITY

October 8-11, 2020 | $495 More Info + Registration: moab-2020-inyourelement.eventbrite.com

feature

COWORKING + CONNECTIONS Words by Kristen Lummis COURTESY OF PROXIMITY

L

ois Mueller was working from home, and it

wasn’t working.

space with seven semi-private offices, a

“At the time, I was living with someone and

conference room, a lounge/hangout room and a

we both worked from home. It was so bizarre to

kitchen.

be in the same place at the same time, but not

talking to one another,” she explains. “It didn’t

in Avon was called The Collective.

feel healthy or right.”

Scalera, an attorney who runs an online digital-

So, Mueller starting looking for office space

This was in 2017, and her coworking space One of Mueller’s tenants was Christina

in Avon.

product company called The Contract Shop.

Unsurprisingly, office space in the Vail

When Scalera relocated to Summit County

Valley comes at a hefty premium, if you can even

from Atlanta in 2015, she tried working from

find it.

home, but found it disorienting and chaotic.

When Mueller began looking, everything

And while Scalera found several coworking

she saw was wildly expensive and much too big

spaces in Summit County, she was looking for

for her needs. Eventually, she found a landlord

something specific — an office with a door.

who agreed to charge her by the square foot

And that’s how she found The Collective.

for a corner of a large space. Soon, Mueller had

“Lois offered me a very small room, just six

friends wanting similar arrangements.

feet by five feet with a desk, shelves and a door,”

Scalera explains. “It was perfect.”

So, she approached her landlord with a big

idea: remodeling the entire space — 2,400 square

feet — and subletting offices to businesspeople

new coworking space in Vail, also operated by

looking to get out of their kitchens and spare

Mueller and known as The Collective | Vail.

bedrooms and into a professional environment.

74

Soon, Mueller was operating a coworking

About a year later Scalera moved into a

NO SUBSTITUTE FOR A “COMMUTE”

Commuting gets a bad rap, associated with idling

in 2018.

traffic and adverse environmental impacts. Yet,

Scalera believes that there is nothing better for

managing,” he explains, adding that he still

getting into work mode than physically leaving

works from home, but drops in to work at Evolve.

one’s home and moving to the office.

After years of visiting coworking spaces

in Europe, he opened Evolve in Crested Butte “My goal was to create something self-

Kayce Anderson, the founder and director of

This doesn’t mean a commute has to be

For the Good, an educational nonprofit for girls

long, or even in a car. In many of Colorado’s

in rural Africa, created The Coop in Glenwood

small mountain towns and Western Slope

Springs after a futile search for appropriate

communities, a commute can be on foot or by

office space.

bicycle. But it does mean getting up, getting

dressed and getting out the door.

expensive or dark and old,” she shares. “While I

could find the equivalent of a closet for not much

It also means trading the distractions of

“Most of the offices in Glenwood are really

home, for example, a never-ending pile of

money, it wasn’t a good work environment.”

laundry or an attention-demanding dog, for a

professional work environment.

neighboring Eagle County, The Coop features a

large space for drop-in users and doesn’t have

And it’s a personal quest for an office of one’s

Unlike The Collective coworking spaces in

own that draws entrepreneurs to coworking, not

private offices.

just as tenants, but like Mueller, as landlords.

Their stories are often similar.

the biggest challenge for Anderson has come

Bruce Eckel lives in Crested Butte and writes

from having to learn what she calls “a surprising

books about computer programming languages.

While attracting coworkers has been easy,

amount of technology.”

He also travels a lot.

COURTESY OF JXN STATION

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

75

THE RISE OF PROXIMITY

It’s this dependence on technology that has

connects people even further afield,” she adds.

allowed Proximity, a Western Slope firm, to

become a worldwide force.

Maverick Innovation Center on the Colorado

Proximity opened early coworking locations

Mesa University campus. According to Tom

on the Western Slope, beginning with Proximity

Benton, the Innovation Center director, this

Space Montrose, Factory in Grand Junction and

move creates additional networks, as Factory

Proximity Space Ridgway.

coworkers interact with student entrepreneurs.

As for Factory, it recently relocated to the

As they got into the business, the founders

benefit.

COLLEAGUES, FRIENDS AND CONNECTIONS

realized that automation would be a huge Looking for solutions, they discovered

Deb Hogstad runs JXN Station, a 16-office

what Proximity’s chief operating officer, Allison

coworking space in Grand Junction that is part

Blevins, describes as “digital duct tape.”

of the Proximity network. Hogstad and her

family opened JXN Station to provide an office

“We could find everything we needed, but it

was all separate software,” she explains.

for their company, Mountain View Window and

Door, and they made a conscious effort to draw

So, Proximity’s founders, including several

software developers, created an integrated

in others from the construction industry.

hardware and software platform. The functions

included on Proximity’s web- and native device-

example, a New York-based opera singer who

based application include billing and payment,

officed at JXN Station for several months last

reservation management, member, company

summer), Hogstad believes that the emphasis on

and job directories, a digital concierge and

complementary businesses has paid off.

electronic door access.

construction, we have created a very strong

Soon other coworking spaces heard about

While there are notable exceptions (for

“While our tenants are not totally in

Proximity’s platform and wanted to use it. The

networking group,” she explains.

result is a network of more than 650 coworking

spaces in the United States, Canada, New

while working together — sharing a laugh in a

Zealand, Australia and Europe.

communal kitchen or a friendly wave goodbye

at the end the day — is what draws people to

“Our members are connected through the

Ultimately, the connections people forge

software,” explains Blevins. “Many spaces offer

coworking.

guest passes that allow access to other Proximity

spaces.”

“Coworking is all about the connection.” :

COURTESY OF JXN STATION

76

“It’s really cool that the connected network

“It’s a connection thing,” sums up Eckel.

events

SUMMER 2020

WESTERN COLORADO OUTDOOR MARKETS Compiled by Lauren Farrauto | Photo by Zach Mahone

L

ate spring starts the annual outdoor market

Fortunately, many wonderful market managers

season. These open-air gatherings include

are working diligently to ensure the community

vendors of all kinds, live music, arts, crafts and

stays safe and connected. Whether you’re

many unique offerings from local community

looking for fresh produce or hoping to support a

members. However, this year the uncertainty

local farmer, here are some markets in Western

about the safety of farmers’ markets during a

Colorado that are taking great steps to maintain

pandemic has made many question whether

a safe, welcoming space this summer.

or not this annual tradition will continue.

ASPEN

art. After Labor Day the Saturday

Sunday through October 11, from

Beginning June 13, the Aspen

Market hours change to 9 a.m. to

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Elk Avenue.

Saturday Market will return to

3 p.m. While the Market is dog-

The

downtown Aspen with new social

friendly, the asphalt gets extremely

washing and sanitizing stations

distancing guidelines. Open from

hot in the market and pets should

for customers, eliminate sampling,

8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., the market

be left at home to avoid burning

increase vendor spacing and add a

offers

their feet. aspenchamber.org

senior shopping hour every week

Colorado-grown

fruits,

vegetables, breads, meats, jams

market

will

offer

hand

from 9 to 10 a.m. for vulnerable

and more as well as a food court.

CRESTED BUTTE

citizens. They are also working on

Enjoy live music while you peruse

The Crested Butte Farmers’ Market

developing an online marketplace

the local jewelry, ceramics and

will open as scheduled every

with quick pick-up or delivery

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

77

options for those that cannot attend

GRAND JUNCTION

entrance and exit to help control

the market. The Thursday evening

The Market on Main will take place

the flow of traffic, as well as hand

market is back for 2020, from July 2

each Thursday from 5:30 to 8:30

washing stations throughout the

through August 27 from 3 to 6 p.m.

p.m., July 9 through September 24.

market. Follow their Facebook

in Cranks Plaza (right next to Old

Due to social distancing guidelines,

page to stay in the loop.

Rock Library). cbfarmersmarket.org

they will limit the number of people

DURANGO

MINTURN

at one time based on the square

The Minturn Market will be a

Market

footage of the location for the event.

smaller, scaled-back market this

has been open since May 9 with

Downtown GJ strongly encourages

year, focused on local vendors

great success so far. As of this

all attendees to wear a mask while

and

publication, they are only offering

at the market and might even have

to

food products, but hope to include

some for sale. Additionally, they

other requirements to keep the

all of their regular vendors by the

are working through the logistics

community

end of the summer. Food products

of providing handwashing stations

This free, family-friendly market

include

items,

for vendors, attendees and staff. All

runs Saturdays, July 4 through

which will be served in to-go

vendors and staff will be required

September 5 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

containers, but there will not be

to wear masks and practice social

The Minturn Market is held in the

benches or places to gather inside

distancing while at the market.

heart of the town and showcases

the market. Booths will be spaced

In addition, samples of any kind

local artisans, crafts, businesses,

over six feet apart and the market

will not be given. At the moment,

prepared

will have specific entrances and

the

provides an opportunity for Eagle

exits to help regulate the flow of

agricultural-based

customers. At each entrance there

vendors outside of that realm. As

business owners to partake in

will be hand-sanitizing stations and

the season progresses, markets

locally produced goods and foods

social distancing markers, allowing

may be allowed to include more

of the region. minturn.org

customers to form safe lines. The

artisans, home goods, food trucks,

market is on Saturdays from 8

etc. downtowngj.org/events/

The

Durango

hot,

Farmers’

ready-to-go

a.m. to 12 p.m. through October

78

that will be allowed at the market

market

will

be

primarily

with

limited

businesses, all

County

social and

foods, visitors,

and

adhering

distancing visitors

farmers, residents

and safe.

and and

MONTROSE The Montrose Market is open

31 (with a 9 a.m. start in October).

GUNNISON

durangofarmersmarket.com

Gunnison’s market hopes to open

p.m. through October 31. They

Saturday, June 13 from 9:30 a.m.

have

GLENWOOD SPRINGS

to 1 p.m. Their hours remain the

market to occupy three locations

Glenwood’s

Market

same and they aim to be flexible

across the street from one another

plans to open June 23 on Tuesdays

and open minded this season. They

in downtown, providing vendors

from 4 to 8 p.m. There will be fewer

are focusing on food products, like

and customers with more space to

vendors in attendance, since they

produce, meat, baked goods, jams

spread out. Each vendor is required

are only allowing produce and

and pickled goods and ready-to-go

to wear masks and many have hand

other food-related vendors. Like

food, in order to accommodate for

sanitizer at their booths, in addition

the Durango Market, this includes

space. But they will also have soap

to the stations spread throughout

hot, to-go food. Each booth will

sellers and a jeweler who has been

the market. The Montrose Market

be spaced six feet apart. Those

with the market for 10 years now.

has made space for art vendors

operating the booths will be the

The proceeds from jewelry sales

and

only ones allowed to handle the

will go back to the farmers’ market

food producers. There is also a

produce, in order to limit the

where they are donating food to

bathroom with running water that

potential contamination of the

families in need. There will be no

customers will have access to. The

food. glenwoodmarket.com

live music. People are encouraged

city is working diligently to keep

to come get what they need, but

that bathroom as clean as possible.

not to linger. There will be one

montrosefarmersmarket.weebly.com

Downtown

every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 expanded

music

to

their

outdoor

accompany

the

Your HomeSold Name

dh@mbgj.com 970 243 3376 RIDGWAY

cashless as much as possible. The

market this season. They will offer

Ridgway Farmers’ Market offers a

market is every Friday through

curbside

safe outdoor shopping experience

October 9 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

options for shoppers via an online

due to their small community,

ridgwayfarmersmarket.com

experience opening June 14, with

which

has

the

advantage

of

pick-up

and

shipping

pick-up available on June 21. For

minimal crowds, open spaces and

TELLURIDE

this pick-up date, orders must

conscientious vendors. Like many

The Telluride Farmers’ Market will

be placed by June 18. The online

other markets, they are reducing

be open June 5 through October 9.

storefront will then open each

vendors to essential food producers

This season will only include food

Monday for pick-up the following

only, but this may change as of June

and medicine vendors. The market

Sunday. The virtual storefront will

19. A unique aspect about Ridgway

features

feature more than 100 vendors

is that the first hour the market is

animal products and prepared

including

open is designated for seniors and

food from San Miguel County. All

cheese,

immunocompromised

shoppers,

of the goods offered are produced

and Meadow Drive Vail Village

providing time for all to get the

within 100 miles of Telluride. The

businesses. Additionally, the Vail

local foods they need. They have

market is Saturday on South Oak

Farmers’ Market is also working

implemented directional shopping

Street from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

with the Vail Valley Salvation

and removed live music, seating

thetelluridefarmersmarket.com

Army to support those in the

high-quality

produce,

and samples. All health standards

produce,

local

meat,

artisans,

fish,

clothing

community who are food insecure

and guidelines for food safety are

VAIL

— customers can make donations

being

wear

On May 12, the Vail Farmers’

at checkout. They hope to open a

masks and gloves, have minimized

followed.

Vendors

Market & Art Show announced

physical market sometime in July.

contact with customers and operate

they would be having a virtual

vailfarmersmarket.com :

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

79

who we are

DAVID MONTONI-TILLER + HIS TINY HOME Interview by Naomi Allen | Photo by Ellissa Tiller

T

iny homes provide a lower maintenance,

of what I know to my dad and my teacher. They

minimalistic living space as an alternative

both helped me with the process.

to traditional homes. Globally, many people are ditching larger houses and opting for 400-square-

S+B: How do you balance school

foot tiny homes, following a trend known as the

and your project?

“tiny house movement.” David Montoni-Tiller is

DMT: I have a full schedule at PHS this year,

a Palisade High School (PHS) student who has

however I was able to balance schoolwork and

spent the past year building a tiny home. He has

building my house, mainly by only working

done everything from design to construction to

during the evenings and weekends when I

finishing touches. He is in the final stages of his

have free time. Recently, I’ve been able to work

project and plans to finish his home in May 2020.

most days for the entire day. It seems hard at

Spoke+Blossom asked him some questions about

first, maybe even impossible, to balance school,

the process of constructing his home as a full-

hobbies and family life. I too found it difficult

time student:

at first, but it’s not. After almost nine months working on this project, even with full classes

Spoke+Blossom: When and why did you

at school, I have found a balance. At this stage,

start building your tiny home?

everything is relatively stress free. :

David Montoni-Tiller: I started planning my tiny home in April 2019 as a possible full-time residence. I began construction the following month. I wanted to build my own tiny house after seeing many articles and YouTube videos about tiny homes and the “tiny house movement.”

S+B: Can you describe your house and the process of building it so far?

DMT: My house is 24 feet long by 7 feet wide. I designed it like a regular house. The home has a wood frame and grey vinyl siding with white trim on the outside. I chose a metal roof because it is lighter and cheaper. Currently, the interior is not finished, but it will be blue. I planned it out starting with drawings and prototype models, then I looked at local building regulations and rules. After I made sure I was clear on the rules, I started building. I would especially like to thank Mr. Davidson, the retired carpentry teacher from PHS, for teaching me so much about construction and loaning me tools I didn’t have. I credit a lot

80

“Wilding Your Kids”

Socially Distant, Family Friendly, Backcountry Tours with Lizard Head Cycling Guides

wild your kids (verb)

Origin: Colorado, United States 1.) To expose your children or grandchildren to the great outdoors via guided mountain bike adventures in the backcountry 2.) To teach your children the value of playing in the dirt, swimming in a lake and camping under the stars 3.) To pass down the rugged heritage of the high country to the next generation of Coloradans Synonyms: To wild your grandkids Antonyms: To wait in line at Disneyland

“Wilding kids” is our mission and absolute pleasure. Join a Lizard Head tour and experience the safety of fantastic campsites, entry level mountain biking, campfires, fabulous food, swimming, starlight and goodnights! We bike between campsites, fish, read, and explore while taking a deep breath of the Colorado Rocky Mountain air. Oh...and the cooking is done by our multi talented guides!

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Immerse your family in the backcountry or join forces with another family in your circle to create a group outing!