Spoke+Blossom Magazine | Summer 2024 | Issue #28

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WILDFLOWER SPLENDOR 20 SMALL TOWN BIG EATS 46 HIT THE ROAD 67 DANGERS OF OVERTRAINING 88 SUMMER 2024 / ISSUE 28

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COMING IN AUGUST O = Office 2631 Tiger Eye Lane

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U = Under Contract L = Vacant Lot Available

We look forward to working with you to design and build your new home in Emerald Ridge!

For more information, contact New Horizons Development, Inc.

JANET ELLIOTT GRI, CRS, ABR Broker/Owner

REALTOR®, ABR, CRS, GRI 970-250-0765 N1323D@msn.com Be sure to check out our website: emeraldridgegj.com

C O L O R A D O

D E S I G N E R

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CO N T what’s up in the west

lifestyle

14 10 12-19

20 24

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VOICES OF WESTERN COLORADO Locals Weigh in on Energy

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STYLE Your Guide to Summer Fashion in Western Colorado

WHAT’S UP IN THE WEST • I nside the Brand-New Grand Junction High School •F ruita’s Imondi Wake Zone to Host the Colorado State Wakesports Championships • J ojo’s Dinette: A New Place to Gather •G rand Valley Outdoor Recreation Coalition

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MAKER Kevin Molick Woodworking

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ART Ouray International Film Festival

44

MUSIC Grand Junction Flute Circle

46

FOOD Ridgway: This Small Town Has Big Eats

50

WELLNESS + FITNESS Healing Your Postpartum Body with Food

BLOSSOM Flower Splendor: Getting to Know Wildflowers HOME + GARDEN Wiggle Worm Gardens

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DRINK A Floral-Centric Summer Sour

28

DRINK Montanya Rum: Taste of the Caribbean in Crested Butte

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EAT Summer Recipes

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BOOK + BEVERAGE • e ndurance: Extreme Survival in the Colorado Rocky Mountain Wilderness

By Kelly Ashford • Rapid Hydration from Tailwind

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INSTAGRAM + PODCAST PICKS

E N TS adventure

features + events

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82

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ADVENTURE Colorado’s Hardest Road Bike Climbs

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WILDLAND FIREFIGHTING + RESPONSE On Colorado National Monument

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SPOKE Gear for the Season

88

HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH? The Dangers of Overtraining

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SPOKE Gear Profile: Gili Gear

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SPOKE Athlete Profile: David Becker Climbs V12

FRESH FOODS Exploring the Intersecions of Health, Heritage + Harmony

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62

GRAND OUTDOORS Fire in the Sky: The Perseid Meteor Shower

EVENTS Summer 2024

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TAKE A HIKE Yule Creek Trail

WHO WE ARE Cassidee Shull

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FAMILY On the Road, Together: Vacationing with a Toddler in a Camper Van

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STAY + PLAY Kebler Corner: Summer + Fall Cabins, RV Sites + Tent Camping

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GETAWAY Portland, Maine: Weekend Escape with Local Flair

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ADVENTURE + EXPERIENCE GUIDE

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

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PUBLISHER’S LETTER

ENERGY Welcome to the vibrant pulse of summer in Western Colorado! With this bright season we witness an exciting surge of energy in our natural landscapes and communities.

As the valleys shimmer in golden sunlight and the peaks stand proudly under clear blue skies, Western Colorado becomes a playground for the soul. Our gardens flourish, vineyards burst with growth and rivers beckon adventurers and dreamers alike. Trails wind through landscapes that invite both quiet reflection and joyous exploration.

Take extra time this season to enjoy it. Isn’t that what summer is all about?

Stop to relish in local wildflower splendor (page 20), sip a magnificent cocktail (page 26), delight in international cinema (page 40), try a new restaurant (page

Publisher Jaunt Media Collective Editor-In-Chief Kim Fuller Managing Editor Lexi Reich Assistant Editor Kristen Grace Art Director Kitty Nicholason Community Engagement Laura Mills + Chloe Wasserstrom Partnerships Bobby L’Heureux

46), take a hard bike ride (page 53) and head out with the family on a memorable

Contributors

getaway (page 67).

Lisa Blake

Chloe Mayer

Roschelle Bulda

Amanda McCracken

Nate Buyon

Maureen McGuire

Adam Evarts

Laura Mills

Kim Fuller

Nickolas Paullus

Sandy Ferguson Fuller

Sue Polan

Lucie Hanes

Lexi Reich

Spoke+Blossom runs deeps. In-depth journalism throughout these pages highlights

Clare J. Hefferren

Hannah Schweitzer

stories of human interest, natural wonder and cultural relevance. We invite you

Jayme Henderson

Rick Spitzer

Jared LaCroix

Chloe Wasserstrom

Kristen Lummis

Jennifer Weintraub

Cat Mayer

Melanie Wiseman

In this issue we have worked with partners to put together an extensive Adventure + Experience Guide, beginning on page 78. It’s a special section that features the outfitters, gear, events and accommodations that make summer sweeter in Western Colorado. It’s a fleeting season, so book that trip!

As usual, our appreciation for the talented team of contributors behind

to take your time enjoying every article. Just as the days stretching before us are filled with promise and warmth, the energy is this issue is a celebration of the growth, connection and joy ever-present here.

Cover Photograph Yule Creek Trail

by Melanie Wiseman

Kim Fuller with Bobby L’Heureux (+ Pepper too!)

Spoke+Blossom Magazine Jaunt Media Collective 2077 N. Frontage Road / D Vail, CO 81657

Publishers of Spoke+Blossom Founders of Jaunt Media Collective

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6

Founder Robin Brown

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No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means without prior written permission. Printed in Colorado.

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contributors

CHLOE WASSERSTROM Chloe finds comfort in the Colorado air and the stories woven throughout nature’s peaks and valleys. When she is not exploring the world around her and translating it onto paper, you can find her on her yoga mat, on a pair of skis or her head in a book, most likely with at least three hydrating beverages nearby.

Follow her @chlowass.

LAURA MILLS KRISTEN LUMMIS

Laura is currently the leader of community engagement for Jaunt Media Collective and finds immense joy in her role.

She manages newsletters, affiliate marketing and social media for all of Jaunt’s publications. Follow her adventures @l.millsy.

Kristen is a freelance writer based in Western Colorado. The mom of two nowadult sons, Lummis broke into her writing career through snowsports, founding the website braveskimom.com in 2010 to provide family-friendly tips. Lummis is honored to be considered an “expert” for USA Today10Best and to write for Spoke+Blossom.

KRISTEN GRACE

Kristen writes about all things food, wellness and culture, and she is also digital editor over Covered Bridge, Spoke+Blossom, YOGA + Life and Well. magazines. When she’s not devoting her time to writing stories and to the magazines, Kristen enjoys being outside and finding the best picnic spots.

NICKOLAS PAULLUS Nickolas has been knee-deep in the food and beverage world for over 20 years. His passion for yummies for the tummy is unbridled. When he’s not cooking, eating or thinking about food, he’s probably spending time with family. He writes for various magazines.

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CHLOE MAYER Chloe is a high school student from Grand Junction. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her hiking the mountains in Ouray or making a large bowl of ramen.

She hopes to become a professional writer one day, and she loves the color pink.

Welcome

Rangely is a small town located among the Book Cliffs Mountain Range of the high desert in Northwest Colorado, which is part of the Great West Region.

Our town is filled with caring citizens, clean air and amazing adventures... right out your backdoor. We feel fortunate to have 300 days of sunshine a year, dark skies, hundreds of miles of OHV Trails and one of the only designated natural rock-crawling parks in Colorado.

We are located on the Dinosaur Diamond Scenic Byway.

The quality of life in Rangely is second to none — a safe environment with low cost of living and no traffic. Recently, Rangely was ranked the 2nd Safest City to live in Colorado by HousesFor.Sale.

Working remotely is easily accomplished in our town with our 1gb fiber-optic internet services. Our Town was actually ranked #23 in the U.S. for “Best Work from Home Cities in 2021.”

We are a college town — home to Colorado Northwestern Community College’s main campus.

Rangely has the best of both worlds....quiet, safe and remote with major shopping less than an hour away — along a beautiful scenic drive, of course.

We invite you to come check us out. Be sure to stop by Town Hall and say hello.

townofrangely.colorado.gov

Memories that last a lifetime.

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voices of western colorado

ENERGY SHOWING OR INVOLVING GREAT ACTIVITY OR VITALITY

We Asked These Western Slope Locals to Weigh in on This Topic Compiled by S+B Staff

CHRIS SCHMIDT

KATE JONES

ANNIE AMRICH

Chef-Owner of Craftsman Brew Co. + Il

Programming Director of The Wright Opera

Owner of Janniebird Farm in Gunnison

Mago in Edwards

House in Ouray

“It’s not just about the physical

“To me, as a chef, energy

“Energy is a force and a feeling,

exertion required to tend

embodies more than just

drawing from our environments

the fields under the intense

physical power — it’s the life

to propel us forward. In

mountain sun or the gusty winds

force infusing our craft. It’s the

the Western Slope, energy

of our high-altitude climate.

intensity of a chef’s culinary

comes from the beauty in our

Energy also encompasses the

vision, the passion fueling our

surroundings, the force of our

emotional investment required

creativity and the drive pushing

formidable mountains, the

to create beauty from the earth.

us to innovate. Energy in the

strength of our resilient people

I witness energy in the seeds

kitchen is the relentless pursuit

and their complex history, and

bursting forth from the soil, in

of perfection, the sizzle of

from some things unknown and

the sun powering photosynthesis,

ingredients and the rhythm of a

indescribable. Yes, the Wright

transforming light into life and in

well-coordinated team. It’s the

Opera House is haunted, for those

the vibrant hues of the blooms.

ability to transform raw elements

who are wondering! After all,

Energy is the constant cycle

into exquisite dishes, leaving a

energy can neither be created

of growth and renewal, from

lasting impression on palates and

nor destroyed. All of these

planting seeds to harvesting

hearts alike. In essence, energy

elements work together to drive

flowers. Energy is the feeling of

for a chef is the secret ingredient

us onward into an uncharted and

the community coming together

that elevates a meal from mere

exciting future. Can you feel it?”

to celebrate the abundance

sustenance to a memorable

produced by the flower field.

experience.”

In essence, as a flower farmer, energy isn’t just a concept — it’s the very essence of my livelihood, infusing every aspect of my work with vitality and purpose.”

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The Ledges at Discover Redlands Mesa

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ANNETTE HEJL PROPERTIES

970-846-3594 annette@annettesellsrealestate.com annettesellsrealestate.com

what's up in the west

INSIDE THE BRAND-NEW GRAND JUNCTION HIGH SCHOOL Words by Chloe Mayer | Photos courtesy of Mesa County Valley School District 51

G

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rand Junction High School (GJHS) was built

construction and is scheduled to open in time

at its current location in 1956. After nearly

for the first bell of the fall 2024-25 school year.

seven decades of dedicated use from Grand

Since early 2022, construction of the

Junction students and faculty, the building

new campus has been facilitated by over 250

began to experience significant structural

personnel who are on-site daily. There have

problems — including a sinking foundation —

been no setbacks since construction began,

so the community decided that it was time for

according to Clint Garcia, the D51 chief

an update.

operating officer, who says “the project is ‘on time

The new GJHS campus nears completion

and on budget.’” The new GJHS campus is located

after more than two years of tireless

across the parking lot from its predecessor, and

Garcia speaks highly of its future for cultivating

and auditorium. Not only will the new GJHS

a new environment for students that is

be a large, highly modern campus, but behind

conducive to learning and encourages them

the scenes, it will also have a state-of-the-art

to excel.

mechanical system. According to Garcia, “[It]

“We’ve got a great facility that I’m proud to say is going to be a great space for our kids … [a] place for student collaboration and the creation of their best work,” he says.

will boast one of the most energy-efficient mechanical systems in the country.”

For many past and present GJHS students and staff, a new campus has been a long time

One of these notable spaces is the media

coming. “We are grateful to the Grand Junction

center, located on the second floor. It is built

community for saying yes to the new Grand

directly above one of the school’s common

Junction High School,” says Garcia. :

areas, which is located between the cafeteria

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

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what's up in the west

FRUITA’S IMONDI WAKE ZONE TO HOST THE COLORADO STATE WAKESPORTS CHAMPIONSHIPS Words by Chloe Mayer | Photos courtesy of Grand Junction Sports Commission

T

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his summer, the Grand Junction Sports

day of practice and two days of competition

Commission (GJSC) is excited to announce

across seven wakesport disciplines.

a partnership with the World Wake Association

Developed by riders — for riders — the WWA

(WWA) to bring the brand-new Colorado State

has been dedicated to promoting and growing

Championships to Fruita’s Imondi Wake Zone.

competitive wakesports around the world. By

From June 28-30, 2024, an expected 200 athletes

supporting riders, setting competitive standards

from around the country will participate in one

and organizing events for all skill levels, it

has become the world’s leading wakeboard

S H V I E N DO T O T O

organization and governing body of the sport.

The

WWA

recently

announced

the

introduction of four state-level competitions to the organization’s 2024 event lineup. Alongside Florida, Texas and Georgia, the organization has chosen Colorado to host one of its first state championship events. While traditionally hosted in coastal locations, this year’s event gives athletes the opportunity to enjoy the highdesert climate of Western Colorado during the competition this summer.

“We are excited to announce the addition of state championships to our event lineup in 2024,” says Shannon Starling, president of the WWA. “This expansion aligns with our vision of providing athletes across the nation with increased opportunities to participate in highquality wakesport competitions.” The WWA

S H O P V I S I T E N J O Y D O W N T O W N T O D AY

Spas, restau somet

alluded to the area’s natural amenities and their relationship with GJSC as the deciding factors in the selection of this location.

DOWNTOWNGJ.ORG

The GJSC, which has always been focused on driving sports tourism to Mesa County and creating opportunities for its residents, is thrilled to be working with the WWA this summer to organize the Colorado state championships.

“As a community, we are so excited to partner with the World Wake Association and grow wakeboarding in Western Colorado. This is just the start,” says Ben Snyder, executive director of the GJSC. “We are also thrilled to be partnering with the team out at Imondi Wake Zone, who have worked so hard to build an amazing facility that attracts more outdoor recreation.”

Kodi and Victor Imondi, owners of Imondi

• market

• spirits

of towed sports with riders and spectators alike.

• deli

• nostalgic candy

“We have worked diligently for years to bring

• sandwiches

• vintage sodas

thrilled to host the World Wake Association and

• fancy meat & cheese

• ice cream

support them in their mission across the globe.”

• charcuterie boards

• local goods

Wake Zone, are just as excited to share the joy

wakesports events to the Grand Valley. We are

The cable disciplines will be hosted at Fruita’s Imondi Wake Zone from June 28-30, but due to this season’s boating restrictions at Highline Lake State Park, the boating portion of the event will be hosted at Sweitzer Lake State Park in Delta. Find the complete schedule at grandjunctionsports.org. :

THE HOG AND THE HEN 970 644 5110 510 Main Street Grand Junction, CO 81501

what's up in the west

A NEW PLACE TO GATHER

JOJO’S DINETTE Words by Melanie Wiseman | Photos by Adam Evarts

S

ometimes, timing is everything. Such is

“Bin 707 was created with destination dining

the case with Jojo’s Dinette, which opened

in mind, where JoJo’s will have a greater mission

recently in downtown Grand Junction.

The original concept, JoJo’s Superette, was to

— a sense of place, a focus on community, a place for people to gather,” says Niernberg.

be located in the FARM (Fruita Arts Recreation

Niernberg never anticipated the fluctuations

Marketplace). Josh Niernberg, chef and owner

he has experienced across the years as far as

of Bin 707 and Taco Party and his partner and

the foods they served, what business looked like

wife, Jodi, hoped to add a playful culinary bar/

and who their vendors were. The evolution has

provisions/stopover

created new opportunities he wanted to explore

LOOK OUT FOR THESE MENU HIGHLIGHTS

amenity. As FARM was

but didn’t fit with Bin 707.

Steamed Mussels Sunchoke Hushpuppies Beets & Berries Salad Tempura Fried Ruby Trout BLT Jojo Burger Pork Katsu White Corn Porridge Fried Ice Cream

creative artistic space and

designed as a co-working

I’ve faced for years,” he shares.

not set up for food service

Expanding on the Bin 707 lunch menu, Jojo’s

needs, it was unviable in

Dinette will offer one menu throughout the day

the end. On to plan B.

in a casual French Bistro-like setting. Niernberg is

“For well over a year we

determined for Jojo’s to be fun and accessible for

then put all of our efforts

all, offering new ways to experience dishes and

into expanding Tacoparty’s

inexpensive price point beer, wine, spirits and

size and adding a pizza oven,” says Niernberg. “At

16

“Jojo’s completely fixes the conundrum that

cocktails.

the 11th hour of taking that to fruition, Brunella

Plan on spending time on the shady, newly

announced the closing of Il Bistro on Main Street.

remodeled patio, perfect for warm afternoons

We met with her, came up with a deal, and put

and evenings. The logo and signage many change,

a complete hold on the Tacoparty project. This

but one thing will remain constant; the high-level

wasn’t our plan, so now what?”

customer service training protocol.

For the past 15 years, Bin 707 on North

“Within my culinary career, I’ve walked the

5th Street was the heart of a family effort and

line or gone a bit over the line on what I could

vision. The idea of letting that space go was hard

and should get away with, verses being more

to swallow. With the Jojo’s concept and menu

conservative,” says Niernberg. “I would rather

already in hand, Niernberg and his team put their

keep it interesting and evolve, push the buttons to

energy into motion, transitioning this space into

see what works and what doesn’t, than to play it

Jojo’s Dinette while simultaneously moving Bin

safe. Keeping culinary experiences accessible and

707 to 4th and Main Street.

a sense of place is what I consider successful.” :

what's up in the west

PAVING THE WAY FOR OUTDOOR INDUSTRY GROWTH

GRAND VALLEY OUTDOOR RECREATION COALITION Words + Photo by Roschelle Bulda

T

he Grand Valley Outdoor Recreation

On March 26, 2024, the who’s who of the

Coalition (GVORC) enters a new chapter as

Grand Valley’s movers and shakers in outdoor

it becomes a 501c3 organization, solidifying its

recreation gathered together in Grand Junction

role in advancing the outdoor industry in Mesa

at Trail Life Brewing and The Gear Junction for

County.

an official kick-off celebration for GVORC.

Since its inception, GVORC has been

Sarah Shrader, founder of the Outdoor

instrumental in highlighting the economic

Recreation Coalition and board president,

impact of outdoor recreation in the region. A

started the evening off with a brief history of

recent study revealed Mesa County’s significant

the coalition, which began with a small group

contribution to the outdoor industry, surpassing

of business owners and outdoor enthusiasts

statewide figures.

who met up once a month for beers to discuss

GVORC kickoff celebration held in March at Trail Life Brewing and The Gear Junction.

18

ways to improve outdoor opportunities in the Grand Valley. That was in 2015. They have since supported key initiatives such as the Monument Trail Connector and the Palisade Plunge.

Schrader

expressed

what

the

initial

intentions were with the group, which has continually worked in conjunction and collaboration with the community, as well as city, industry and economic leaders.

“Knowing that we have spent 100 years being dependent on the extractive fossil fuel industry in the valley, we’re now really trying to change the trajectory of what this valley could look like,” Shrader says. “75% of our valley is public lands and we really wanted people to focus on the surface of the land for wealth, instead of underneath it.”

As one of 13 coalitions in Colorado, GVORC will collaborate closely with state offices and support regional initiatives to enhance outdoor experiences across Mesa, Delta and Montrose counties.

Alongside local business owners, elected officials from the valley were in attendance: Mayor Anna Stout; city council members Jason Nguyen, Abe Herman, Randall Reitz and Cody Kennedy; and Western Colorado regional director Sarah McCarthy from Senator John Hickenlooper’s office. We were also introduced to Conor Hall, the Colorado director of Outdoor Recreation Industry, and the GVORC’s first appointed executive director, Chandler Smith.

Smith briefed us on the purpose and mission of GVORC, which is focused on supporting and growing the outdoor industry in the Grand Valley as an inclusive, sustainable and economically

EXPECT MORE More expertise, more service, more results

positive endeavor. He also gave credit for the coalition’s newly-created marketing initiatives to Jorde Matthews of Be Someone Design Co. and TJ Smith of Stray Wild.

The coalition’s strategic planning, informed by community input, underscores the importance of outdoor recreation in the region. An updated brand and website further demonstrate GVORC’s commitment to fostering outdoor experiences. : For more information and to discover

Serving clients in Mesa and Delta Counties with residential and commercial real estate services.

ways to become involved, visit gvorc.org.

1601 Riverfront Drive, Suite 103, Grand Junction, CO 81501 130 E Aspen Avenue, Fruita, CO 81521

blossom

HAVE FUN GETTING TO KNOW WILDFLOWERS

FLOWER SPLENDOR Words + Illustrations by Sandy Ferguson Fuller

E

ach summer and fall in the Colorado Rockies,

observing flower splendor all the more fun!

our

and

Consider paintbrush, bull thistle, king’s crown,

shower us with delight. Many special varieties

wildflower

neighbors

appear

steershead, fairy slipper … even the prolific

also offer other clues about their surroundings

dandelion! Identifying particular flowers by

— the altitude on a hiking trail, the right timing

names isn’t necessary to appreciate their beauty

for eager trout to take a dry fly, when to expect

and it’s not always easy; many species appear

young falcons to fledge or great horned owl eggs

similar upon first glance. But here is an artistic

to hatch, when coyote pups begin to play outside

(not scientific or botanical) introduction to a

their dens, where to watch for grazing wildlife

variety of Rocky Mountain flowers with unique

or when winter will finally relax its grip. As we

names, including basic descriptions and colorful

become familiar with wildflowers, we discover

sketches to help you recognize and remember

other secrets of mountain life.

them.

Many wildflowers and plants in the area

Enjoy! And remember, it’s a good idea to

share a name (and often a physical resemblance!)

carry along a more detailed field guide to provide

with animals, humans, fantastical beings or

you with information and photos as you explore

magical objects. Learning about this makes

local wildflowers.

darker) centers; narrow leaves; gray and “woolly” stems, not smooth. Flourish above timberline on dry, exposed ridges. Unlike sunflower cousins, never turn to follow the sunlight. Always face east, offering a steadfast compass.

INDIAN PAINTBRUSH (Figwort family) The “bracts” on this plant are usually mistaken for brilliant flowers, resembling brushes dipped in red, yellow, fuchsia, coral, white or other paint hues. But the “flowers” are actually dense green spikes atop the stems, occasionally tinged with color.

Paintbrush rely on roots of neighboring plants to survive.

OLD MAN OF THE MOUNTAIN (Composite

20

family) Also “alpine sunflower.” Sturdy, large

HAREBELL (Bluebell family) Violet-blue,

(2-3 inch) yellow heads and matching (not

delicate bell-shaped flowers dangle from

slender stems. It’s easy

fledging. Plants alternate blooming every five

to imagine the bells

to seven years. Mountain goats thrive on these

tingling sweet melodies

stalks during winter months.

into thin mountain air, as high as 10,000 feet,

COMMON CATTAIL

from June to September.

(Cattail family) A brown

The same flower adorns

sausage-shape cluster

the Scottish Highlands

with flat, strap-like

and is known there as

leaves which can be

“Scotch bluebell.”

used for decoration and weaving. This is a

FOXTAIL (Grass family)

favorite lunch to munch

A type of barley, also

in marsh areas for

“ticklegrass,” this variety

muskrats, geese and elk.

waves tawny golden “awns” in the breeze and

ROCKY MOUNTAIN

its flower head mimics a

BEEPLANT (Caper

fox’s tail. Attractive and

family) A multi-

benign at first glance,

branched, leafy plant

but beware of this sly,

with numerous pink

cunning fox plant … the awns mature into

flowers which develop

brittle barbs and can penetrate eyes, ears, gums,

seed pods while

noses and paws of roaming sheep, deer, elk and

blooming. Also known as

dogs, causing infection, blindness or even death.

“stinkweed” with some yellow varieties.

ELEPHANT’S TRUNK (Figwort family) Tiny

GOATWEED

pink or reddish-purple

(St. Johnswort family)

elephant heads with

Yellow 3/4-inch flowers

trunks distinguish this

with protruding stamens

flowering spiked “fern,”

supported by stiff, erect

fun to spot from about

woody rootstock 1-5 feet

5,000 feet to above

tall. Alternating single

timberline. Nothing

leaves with colorless or

like it! Also called

black spots. A Colorado

“elephantella” or “elephant head.” Elk nibble on

native species.

it from late June to early August, usually near moist locales like beaver ponds or open spaces.

SKUNK CABBAGE (Arum family) Yellow,

BEARGRASS (Lily

partially rolled flower

family) Tiny white

buds which appear in

flowers form large,

marshes at first sign of

soft conical clusters on

spring. Cabbage blooms

slender grassy stems,

as the bald eagle begins

2-3 feet tall. Usually

nesting. It offers a

grows in patches. When

favorite picnic treat for

beargrass flowers, young

bears.

mountain bluebirds are

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

21

FAIRY SLIPPER (Orchid

MULES-EARS

family) Displaying

(Composite family)

shades of pink to

A flowering orange-

magenta with a single

yellow head similar

broad leaf, this rare,

to sunflowers, with

delicate, early-blooming

numerous long, smooth,

Colorado orchid appears

shiny (vs. hairy) leaves.

late May through June.

Heads often touch

Also named “calypso.”

together. Heralds the

Found in wet coniferous forests or near

hatching of sage-grouse chicks or young ravens

decayed logs.

leaving their nest.

STEERSHEAD (Bleeding

KING’S CROWN

Heart family) Tiny, tiny

(Stonecrop family) A

white or pink flowers,

high-altitude jewel of

growing in bunches,

rich, regal red, found

closely resemble a

clustered near rocky

steer with horns, often

outcroppings in open

pointed upside-down.

meadows or some moist

In sagebrush areas or

areas. As many as 50

plateaus. Ironically

small flowers may form

contains poisonous

a colony, with thick, succulent leaves trimmed

alkaloids harmful to cattle, but herds avoid

in red. Rules summer-long.

its bitter flavoring.

QUEEN ANNE’S LACE WAKEROBIN (Lily

(Umbellifer family)

family) Distinguished

Hardy, vigorous and

by three broad leaves

sometimes considered

cupping a single flower

an invasive species, but

with three white petals

also nurturing to some

which gradually turn

animals and beneficial

pink. Just like robins,

insects, like adult bees.

these hardy plants are

Butterflies also adorn

harbingers of spring.

the Queen’s garment. The “living lace” is spun

Found in damp woods

with thousands of tiny white flowers grouped in

and valleys, in partial shade up to 7,000 feet.

flat umbrella clusters. Also called “wild carrot.”

MONKSHOOD

DOGTOOTH VIOLET

(Buttercup family) A

(Lily family) A small

hoodlike cap or helmet

yellow lily, cupped with

is formed by the indigo

one pair of shiny leaves.

sepals, reminiscent

Also called “glacier lily.” A

of medieval monks.

few nodding flowers may

Reaching 2-5 feet on

grow on the same naked

slender stalks with

stem. This one climbs the

leaves largest at stem

mountain in tune with

base. Appears late June to early August in wet

the changing seasons! At 7,000 feet, it appears as

meadows and along streams.

mule deer begin to fawn. Later in July, at 9,000 feet, it pops out when ptarmigan are nesting.

22

MINER’S CANDLE

OTHERS TO LOOK FOR?

(Borage family)

n Jacob’s Ladder

Stretching to 3 feet or

n Shooting Star

more (!), the coned

n Pussytoes

stem hosts small, petal

n Rabbitbrush

flowers (look like white

n Parrot’s Beak

forget-me-nots!) and

n Monkeyflower

long protruding leaves

n Arrowhead

which give it an ominous “spiky” look. Flourishes June to August in

n Fireweed

mountain meadows, mostly in drier,

n Horsemint

sunny areas.

... and more!

BULL THISTLE (Composite family) Aptly named, feisty and stubborn like a bull, this persistent thistle variety has large heads of purple flowers, sharp spines covered with stiff hairs, leaves up to 8 inches

long, and deep roots. A biennial, 2-5 feet tall.

Hiding beneath the flower are silky seedlings which spread quickly. Don’t let it invade and consume your home lawn or garden! But this “thistledown” provides excellent tinder for starting campfires in the wild.

DANDELION (Composite family) Three native dandy species roam the high Colorado mountains, but many variations homestead

S

o, enjoy your sojourns among the wildflowers this summer and try to get to know as many

as possible. Remember not to pick or tread upon these flowers … they wilt quickly and their fragile beauty soon fades and dies. Hopefully you will be lucky to view the splendor of a field of Colorado columbine, the state flower, and to greet a patch of tiny bright blue forget-me-nots at your feet. The memories will be yours for keeps. :

Beautify

here, too. Dandelions’ bright, yellow ray-flower heads atop hollow, milky stems turn our outdoors spaces to gold every spring. Often regarded as nature’s pests, but also benefactors, dandelions provide roots for delicious salads, healing tonics, flowers for wine and succulent foraging for Canada geese, grouse, elk, deer, bear and porcupine.

YOUR HOME AND GARDEN with a custom-designed greenhouse

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SPOKE+BLOSSOM

23

home + garden

HELPING TO GROW YOUR GREEN THUMB

WIGGLE WORM GARDENS Words by Lisa Blake | Photos courtesy of Wiggle Worm Gardens

R

ocky Mountain gardening is complicated.

Graves — who owns Fourth Street Farms

Even the greenest of high country thumbs

— has partnered with certified arborist and

are faced with wild and wide-ranging weather

preventive tree care specialist Nick Close and

conditions, high-altitude sun, heavy clay soil and

Shawn Bruckman, Colorado State University

a host of creatures and critters ranging from

master gardener, U.S. Composting Council

voles to elk treating their garden like a snack bar.

certified compost operations manager and

But the benefits far outweigh the challenges,

soil health specialist, to launch a new nursery

says professional gardening coach Lindsay

24

venture called Wiggle Worm Gardens.

Graves. Gardening gives us a chance to slow

Situated in the greenhouse space behind

down and enjoy nature, connect with delicious

City Market in Eagle (previously operated by

organic food and savor the fruits of our mindful

Knapp Ranch), Wiggle Worm Gardens celebrated

labor, she believes.

its grand opening on April 28, 2024. The new

garden center focuses on edible, waterwise, native, pollinator, medicinal and permaculturefriendly plants (think salad greens, peppers, yarrow, calendula and peashrub).

What does this mean for area gardeners?

Access to top-quality seed varieties from High Desert Seed, outstanding soil blends from Paonia Soil, perennials from Oasis Nursery, fresh Colorado fruit and more flowers and veggies from Eagle County and Western Slope producers.

The one-stop garden destination works to support sustainable Rocky Mountain region gardens and landscapes, produces vermicastings (worm compost) and delivers a full calendar of educational workshops and demos to help foster healthy land use. :

Find Wiggle Worm Gardens at 295 Rule Rd. in Eagle, CO. Check the events calendar at wigglewormgardens.com for community gatherings that include family-friendly open mic and art nights, worm composting workshops and classes on vegetable garden planning and water bath canning.

5 GARDEN TIPS TO USE TODAY Professional gardening coach Lindsay Graves shares smart and sustainable gems to integrate into your own garden this season.

1. Grow microgreens or sprouts.

These are some of the easiest and fastest plant-powered nutrients you can grow. There are so many resources and kits out there for growing them, from repurposed set-ups to super cute affairs that will match any aesthetic.

2. Try herbs and salad greens first. When you’re ready

to plant outdoors — in containers or a raised bed — try greens and herbs.

They are the easiest to grow, quickest to harvest, require less sun than other veggies and, when not home or farm grown, often come packaged in plastic.

3. Use raised beds. Having a great set-up is the biggest predictor of garden success.

Investing in raised beds can feel like a big expense, but compare it to getting into one of our other mountain hobbies rather than your weekly grocery bill.

4. Start earlier than you think.

Prepping your veggie garden should happen way before you start seeing spring displays at the store. In fact, you can start planting as early as April or early May (even though most people think it’s June). And you can harvest even after freezing temperatures.

5. Cover it up. Growing is a chemical reaction, so if the average daily temperature is lower, so is the growth rate.

That’s why my top suggestion is covering gardens to keep your veggies warm at night.

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

25

drink

A FLORAL-CENTRIC SUMMER SOUR

ALWAYS AND ALWAYS Words + Photo by Jayme Henderson

E

nergy, the theme of this summer issue.

of another more pleasurable or inspiring

At first, I wanted to create a cocktail that

subject. That brings us to this summer-ready,

encapsulated and encouraged the expenditure

gin-based, flower-centric cocktail.

of energy. Think: a jolted, caffeine-laced

For this recipe, I went with a classic sour

espresso martini or an invigorating, matcha-

cocktail ratio: two parts spirits, one part sour,

forward drink. Instead, I created a cocktail

3/4 parts sweet. There’s a little twist, however.

that focused upon the conservation of energy.

If you make this base drink recipe, you can

The reverence. The resourcefulness. The

easily batch it, morph it into two other cocktails

reserve.

and utilize the florals that are in season in

Claude Monet has been quoted as saying,

your region right now. My personal pro-tip?

“I must have flowers. Always and always.” He

Grow or purchase botanicals when they’re in

and I share the same affection for colorful

season. Preserve them, process them and file

and aromatic blooms. I plant flowers, create

them away for when you have the energy and

with flowers and even make a wine with the

inspiration to create from them.

namesake of flowers. I honestly can’t think

It’s all about energy conservation. :

ALWAYS AND ALWAYS

LAVENDER-HONEY SIMPLE SYRUP

2 oz gin (I used mother-and-daughter gin, Silks, based out of Ireland.)

1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice ¾ oz lavender-honey simple syrup

1 cup local honey 1 cup water 1 Tbsp dried culinary lavender (I used Stanton Farms’ culinary lavender)

1. In a mixing tin, combine the gin, lemon juice and lavender-honey simple syrup.

In a saucepan over low heat, combine the honey, water and lavender. Bring the mixture to a low simmer and remove from heat. Let steep until mixture reaches room temperature.

Strain the solids, refrigerate and store up to one month.

2. Add ice, shake well, taste for balance and strain into a chilled coupe glass.

3. Garnish with whatever edible flowers are blooming right now.

This classic sour cocktail base can be easily transformed into a bubbly drink by adding sparkling wine.

Simply split the recipe into two glasses and top with dry, sparkling wine. It can also be batched ahead of time for your next summer soirée. Prep the recipe as shown, refrigerate it and once you’re ready to serve, top individual servings with either seltzer or sparkling wine. It’s also incredible when made as directed, poured over ice and topped with a little Topo Chico.

26

The two cocktail components are both female-owned. Silks, a gin company based in Ireland, is a mother-daughter duo, focused upon incorporating local, floral botanicals, with a decidedly apple-honey aroma. Their gin is dry, fragrant and complex.

For the lavender-honey syrup, I sourced Paonia-based Stanton Farms’ lavender and honey, for a true taste of Colorado’s North Fork Valley. Stanton Farms is family owned and operated, and they also offer lavender picnics throughout the lavender-growing season, here in Paonia, and they sell live and dried culinary lavender. You can book their lavender picnics on their website at

paonialavender.com.

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

27

drink

MONTANYA DISTILLERS IS RAISING THE BAR FOR CRAFT RUM

TASTE OF THE CARIBBEAN IN CRESTED BUTTE Words + Photo by Nickolas Paullus taking the rums made into the mountains to age,” says owner and head distiller Renee Newton.

Located in Crested Butte (and previously in Silverton), Colorado, not only is the distillation and

fermentation

informed

by

traditional

method, but the altitude plays a role in the craft.

“Our 8,900-foot location comes with pure snow-melt to use in fermentation … we have a lower boiling point, allowing us to extract alcohol in less time, equaling less energy output,” says Newton. “And our extreme temperature fluctuations allow for more contact time within the barrels.” All of these variables lead to a more nuanced rum.

At the heart of the rum process, however, will always be the sugar itself. Historically, rum is a bit of a bad actor. Fueled by, and fuel for, the Atlantic slave trade, as well as exploitative sharecropping, sugar production throughout the Americas has a dark history. In fact, much of worldwide sugar production is still grown in

R

um is a multiplicitous thing. While “just” the result of distilling sugar, water and

yeast, the breadth of the spirit is massive.

Regional variations abound and sugars come in a wide range of forms, to say nothing of degrees of quality.

It’s probably one of the reasons that rum is

so divisive. While the proponents are vocal, the disdain for bad rum is palpable in just about any bar.

Since 2008, Montanya Distillers has been trying to dispel any preconceived notions about what rum is — or should be.

Montanya’s rum takes many cues from traditional Guatemalan and Colombian rum production. “These regions are renowned for their artisanal approach to rum production, like

28

brutal conditions.

Montanya, a certified B Corporation, however, sources their sugar with the utmost integrity. Dedicated to “sustainable business practices, fair treatment of employees and community engagement,” the distillery sources their sugarcane from Louisiana. “We are now working with a cooperative to uphold ethical standards and support local communities,” says Newton. This leads to not only a greater benefit for Montanya, but for the “greater food community.”

The quality in the end product of this cooperative model shows. While most large rum manufacturers use molasses, a byproduct of the white sugar trade, Montanya uses whole sugar cane as well as the more traditional molasses.

This lends further complexity, which leads to a “broad spectrum of unique flavors.”

As such, the rum is versatile. In its various

Embracing

this

unique

iterations, Montanya rum is imminently sippable.

setting, we continually strive

The Valentia, aged four years and finished in

to push the boundaries of

a rye cask, lends the experience a decidedly

rum-making, while honoring

more whiskey character, while the Platino rum

heritage and traditions in the

is funky enough to conjure comparisons of fine

craft.”

The synthesis is spot

tequila.

That is not to say, however, that it’s not

on, earning the distillery

mixable. The aforementioned Valentia “has a

accolades not just in Colorado,

nice spicy finish, great for an old fashioned or

but in the wider world of rum

Manhattan,” says Newton. The Platino, on the

making. It hearkens to Crested

other hand, crisp and clear, makes a stellar

Butte’s history as innovators

daiquiri, suggestive of the Hemingway quote, “It

in mountain biking, taking

shouldn’t taste of rum, it shouldn’t taste of lime

something familiar and

and it shouldn’t taste of sugar. It should just taste

imbuing the heart of the

of daiquiri.”

Rockies into the thing to make

Montanya embraces its Caribbean roots, leaning into flavors like passionfruit, mint,

OTHER WESTERN COLORADO RUMS WE’RE SIPPING Highlands Distillery Pieces of Eight Infused with pineapple and aged in rye casks.

Fruity, full bodied and ready to colada.

Storm King Distilling Co. Silver Rum Made from Panela cane sugar. Complex, bright and oh so light.

Stoneyard Distillery Colorado Silver Made from Colorado beet sugar, lending unique flavors as the base for all of Stoneyard’s products.

it better.

N e w t o n s ay s i t b e s t :

house-made ginger beer and of course lime in

“With a steadfast dedication to craftsmanship,

their Crested Butte tasting room. The company,

community and sustainability, Montanya

however, is unabashedly a Colorado distillery.

Distillers pioneers new horizons in the world of

“Crested Butte thrives on innovation,” says

craft spirits. Here’s to raising the bar and forging

Newton. “[Montanya] draws inspiration from

new paths.” Now that’s something to raise a

the region’s rich history and mountain culture.

daiquiri to. :

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eat

SUMMER RECIPES

LESSONS LEARNED IN MY KITCHEN Words by Maureen McGuire | Photos by Cat Mayer

D

on’t fret — if these recipes intimidate you,

And lesson learned, because these pavlovas

it was my first time, too. I second-guessed

turned out so good — even if I did probably bake

putting mayo with avocado in the chicken salad,

them five minutes too long. According to the

and I was thoroughly prepared for the pavlovas

experts, they should not be yellow. However,

to fail. I don’t have a great history with whipped

I was thrilled that they were neither melted

egg whites. Both of these recipes are my attempt

nor burned and were mostly correct. And the

to replicate things I’ve eaten at restaurants. I’m

salad was better than the restaurant! You won’t

not a trained chef, so though I was willing to try,

succeed if you don’t try.

I was pretty skeptical.

recipes. They might fail, but, on the other hand,

restaurant in Kildare, Ireland, trying not to eat

they might turn out amazing! As I teach my

the best strawberry dessert I’ve had in a long

students, use your resources and your brain,

time too quickly, I promised myself I would

and if you do fail, you’ll at least learn something.

learn to make pavlovas. But then I Googled how

And if you succeed, then you’ve accomplished

to make pavlovas and balked. Whipped, baked

something wonderful. In fact, these recipe

egg white sent me back to the great macaron

attempts gave me so much energy from my

disaster that happened in my oven in 2019. I

success, that I just might be excited to try making

envisioned melted sticky egg whites all over my

maca rons again. :

oven. But I learned from that disaster — do not grease the baking sheet because fat and whipped egg whites are mortal enemies.

30

So, I would encourage you to try some new

But I am a learner. When I was sitting at a

AVOCADO CHICKEN SALAD SERVES 4

1 lb cooked chicken, shredded or diced 2 cups cooked black beans ½ cup finely diced red onion ½ cup finely diced cilantro

FOR THE DRESSING 1 large ripe avocado 2-3 Tbsp mayonnaise 1/ cup lime juice 3 ¼ tsp each of salt, cumin and chile powder 1-2 Tbsp water

1. B lend all the ingredients for the dressing in a blender until smooth.

2. T oss the rest of the ingredients with the dressing and serve over a bed of greens.

STRAWBERRY PAVLOVAS SERVES 2

FOR THE PAVLOVAS

1. P reheat oven to 225 degrees Fahrenheit.

3 egg whites ½ tsp cream of tartar 1/ cup powdered sugar 3 2 Tbsp cornstarch

2. W ith the mixer on high, whip the egg whites and cream of tartar to stiff peaks, then sift remaining ingredients and whip on high until combined.

FOR THE FILLING ½ lb strawberries, cored and cleaned ¼ cup strawberry jam ¼ tsp vanilla

WHIPPED CREAM FOR 2 PAVLOVAS ½ cup whipping cream 2 Tbsp powdered sugar ¼ tsp vanilla

3. O n an ungreased cookie sheet lined with parchment, make two equal piles of the egg whites and shape into a circle with a large well in the middle.

4. B ake for 45-60 minutes until the outside of the pavlovas are set and pretty dry.

The inside will be like a marshmallow and very sticky.

5. C ool for two hours minimum, but longer is more desirable.

6. A dd with filling of choice and garnish with fresh fruit.

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

31

book + beverage

Words by Lexi Reich

THE BOOK

endurance:

EXTREME SURVIVAL IN THE COLORADO ROCKY MOUNTAIN WILDERNESS

BY KELLY ASHFORD

K

Yet, fueled by her energy healing practices and an unwavering will to see her family again, Ashford says she clung to life against all adversity.

Endurance serves as a beacon of hope for others facing their own trials and tribulations.

Through her writing, Ashford shares not only

elly Ashford’s story

the physical challenges she endured but also

is one of resilience,

the profound spiritual awakening that emerged

survival and the indomitable human spirit. A

from her near-death experience.

14th generation Colorado native, Ashford’s love

kellyashford.com

for the outdoors runs deep. As an energy healer for the past 15 years, she understands the earth’s profound healing power and the importance of spiritual practices like meditation. However, her life took a dramatic turn when a simple excursion turned into a fight for survival in the unforgiving Rocky Mountain wilderness. Despite facing dehydration, starvation and the threat of

THE BEVERAGE

frostbite, Ashford says her unwavering faith and determination kept her alive. Now, with her new book, the Grand Junction local shares her journey of survival, shedding light on the importance of preparedness and the splendor of the human spirit.

“After many years of convalescence and recovery from trauma, I was finally able to put my story into words and share my ordeal and the near-death experience that I had,” Ashford says, who self-published her book this year with the guidance of her editor, Dr. Judith Briles. “I found the writing process healing, bringing me a sense of closure. A saying I like is, ‘when life hands you lemons, throw a book at it.’”

Ashford’s ordeal began innocently enough, with plans for a few hours of meditation in the mountains. Little did she know a series of unfortunate events would lead to her car careening into a ditch, leaving her stranded and ill-prepared for the challenges that lay ahead.

With no means of communication and dressed in nothing more than a light jacket, shorts and flip-flop sandals, she found herself facing the harsh realities of nature.

32

H

RAPID HYDRATION ailing from Durango, Tailwind Nutrition has introduced its latest offering: Rapid

Hydration, a natural electrolyte drink mix designed for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts seeking a cleaner, lighter alternative to overly sweet drinks. Personally, we’d call this beverage “survival nourishment,” if we could, for how seamlessly it refuels on-the-go.

Available in flavors like orange, strawberry

lemonade and berry, Rapid Hydration boasts a refreshing taste without the aftertaste of artificial sweeteners. Packaged conveniently in individual sachets, it’s optimized for use in 1824 ounces of water, providing a quick and clear solution to replenish electrolytes lost through sweat after a day of exploring.

Unlike traditional sports drinks, Rapid Hydration uses natural cane sugar and is glutenfree, catering to those with dietary restrictions.

Ideal for everyday hydration, short workouts or even recovery post-exercise, it’s a versatile solution for staying hydrated and maintaining peak performance even in the most adverse conditions. :

tailwindnutrution.com

INSTAGRAM + PODCAST PICKS Compiled by S+B Staff

@camp_eddy

@yoga.journaling

Marketed as a launching pad to Grand Junction, Camp Eddy offers airstream stays, tiny homes and RV sites along the banks of the Colorado River. Whether you’re looking to book a stay or explore the local adventures they recommend, this page is loaded with inspiration.

Karin Baltisberger’s mission is to bring as many people as possible to yoga and to support yoga teachers in their work. Her page features her hand-drawn yoga stick figure designs plus inspiration for teachers and practitioners alike.

Falling Off The Floor

Working Hard, Hardly Working

Attention adventure enthusiasts!

This podcast invites you on a journey into the great outdoors, accompanied by insightful discussions on addiction, mental health and navigating through significant life transitions.

Expect witty conversations about gear, travel advice, recovery, the ski and outdoor industries, creative media and discovering the resilience to tackle challenges that life presents.

Entrepreneur Grace Beverley delves into the extraordinary journeys of successful individuals across various fields, from housing campaigners to investors and sex experts. Each episode offers insights on success, life lessons, health, social issues and overcoming challenges. It’s a valuable resource for anyone seeking inspiration and actionable advice for achieving balance and fulfillment in life.

@mountainroots_foodproject

Deep in the heart of Gunnison Valley, Mountain Roots Food Project is executing some of the most innovative environmental efforts in the state. Check out their colorful page for tips to support local food.

Out Of Collective

Adam Jaber founded a network comprising ski and outdoor industry experts who are deeply passionate about their field.

With four hosts offering distinct viewpoints, the network explores various aspects of the outdoor world, including gear reviews and cultural shifts within the industry.

Jaber’s weekly podcast on outdoor sports, Out of Bounds, features athletes, CEOs and other industry figures.

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

33

style

YOUR GUIDE TO SUMMER FASHION IN WESTERN COLORADO Words by Lexi Reich

W

i th s u m m e r ’s a r r i va l , Col ora d o ’s

the West Slope is essential for both comfort and

unique style emerges, embracing the

aesthetic appeal.

intersection of outdoor adventure and laid-

Here, we delve into tips and tricks to elevate

back charm. From the lively streets of Grand

your summer wardrobe, ensuring you’re ready

Junction to the scenic landscapes of Telluride,

to embrace Western Colorado’s sun-soaked

navigating the realm of summer fashion along

season in style. :

TWO SKIRTS 127 W Colorado Ave. Telluride, CO shoptwoskirts.com

—K ristin Holbrook, founder of Two Skirts in Telluride

“I recommend our Tess & Tommy pearl and suede wrap necklaces, a gauzy sweater and a woven belt with all your sundresses. The pearl necklaces are a signature bestseller at Two Skirts and can be worn long, double or triple wrapped.”

“I love a gauzy mohair sweater over dresses on a cool evening — it creates warmth and layering while the open knit composition still shows off your dress underneath.”

34

“A woven leather or raffia belt, in neutral or a pop of color, adds texture and style to any summer dress.”

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ReGenesisPlasticSurgery.com “To create an outfit with energy and pizazz rather than just ‘getting dressed,’ learn how to accessorize and layer.”

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ZEPHYR OF GRAND JUNCTION 439 Main St. Grand Junction, CO zephyrgj.com

—K im Williams, owner of Zephyr of Grand Junction

“Embrace the vibrant hues of summer with bold floral prints for that perfect color pop.”

36

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KEVIN MOLICK WOODWORKING Words by Chloe Mayer | Photo courtesy of Kevin Molick

S

38

ince moving to Colorado in 1976, Kevin Molick

self-employed custom woodworker, specializing

has been a devoted woodworker for nearly

in highly detailed custom pieces. Not only did this

five decades. From building custom furniture

include tables and chairs, but also bookshelves,

to renovating Denver homes to founding

office systems and looms.

Timberleaf Trailers, Molick has been dedicated

It was not until 1994 that Molick decided to

to the precision and quality of his craft since the

start renovating and remodeling Denver homes.

beginning of his woodworking journey.

Populating the central Denver area where he lived

In 1976, Molick moved from Georgia to

were many homes built in the Craftsman style

Colorado to attend Colorado State University

that became popular in the United States in the

(CSU) in Fort Collins after an honorable discharge

early 1900s. Due to the age and distinctive style

from the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne Division. He

of these homes, renovation required particular

intended to study engineering but decided to take

sensitivity. Molick worked diligently to give each

a year off during his studies to work full-time. Due

home a modern update while preserving and

to his specialized skill set, he could find suitable

enhancing their original character, and over the

work only at a local woodworking shop, where he

next 20 years, he built a strong reputation for his

built children’s furniture. According to Molick, it

tactful work.

took only a few short months before he realized

In 2015, Molick and his wife, Paula Molick,

his knack for the work and became the foreman

were discussing their desire to travel around

of the shop.

Colorado and its neighboring states via camping.

“That job changed my career direction,” says

However, neither of them wanted to manage the

Molick. “I never went back to school.” For the next

discomfort of traditional camping tents nor a

25 years, Molick worked in central Denver as a

cumbersome RV trailer or motor home. Molick

discovered the teardrop trailer, which met all of their needs, and decided to build his own. After sharing the plans with a handful of friends, he received requests from two people who wanted him to build them a teardrop trailer as well.

“That spawned the idea that there might be a business here,” Molick shares. After nervously consulting Paula Molick about the possibility, who granted her full support, Molick founded the trailer company Timberleaf Trailers.

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t Fixture Studio, we believe beautiful, welldesigned spaces positively impact our lives.

We approach every design project with the big picture in mind: what you want from your space, your lifestyle, and how we can optimize that.

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The company’s focus, according to Molick, is a nostalgic, modern design focused on functionality.

He employed the technical skills he learned during his time as a custom woodworker and the tactfulness he used when renovating homes in Denver to hone his craft, and built trailers that stood out because of their quality. This dedication is what has turned Timberleaf Trailers into an internationally recognized company that continues to grow, having been featured in magazines such as Uncrate and The Coolector.

After running the business since 2015, Molick sold Timberleaf Trailers nearly six months ago.

He decided to return to the work that spurred this journey and built a small woodworking shop on his property.

“Selling my business meant I no longer had a personal shop to build things, so it seemed like a nobrainer,” says Molick. However, after he quickly realized that he was limited by the number of personal items he could build, Molick has decided to once again accept public commissions for highly detailed custom woodwork. “I don’t expect to be putting in 40-hour work weeks,” he says about the transition, “but I have to admit, some days I forget what time it is when I get immersed in a project.”

When he took a year-long break back in 1976 from college at CSU to build children’s furniture, Molick never anticipated how his life would change. After spending over 20 years renovating homes in Denver and nearly 10 years of building Timberleaf Trailers into a company

DESIGN BUILD RENOVATE

of international recognition, his woodworking journey has come full circle. Now, Molick returns to the love of crafting the one-of-a-kind pieces that started it all. : Contact Kevin Molick at kmolick @gmail.com or 303.887.0959.

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art

OURAY INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL RETURNS THIS SUMMER Words by Nickolas Paullus | Photos courtesy of Jared LaCroix/Ouray International Film Festival

W

ith towering cliff faces, majestic

These diverse contexts lend weight to the truly

waterfalls, ice climbers and Swiss-like

international festival, which prides itself on its

chalets, Ouray is truly cinematic in scope.

The four-day event is meticulously curated,

says Ouray International Film Festival (OIFF)

with a wide range of voices, emotions and

co-founder Jared LaCroix. “The town is

genres. “Our team is a group of artists who love

spectacularly beautiful,” and so lends itself well

to champion the work of other artists,” adds

to a uniquely worldly event like OIFF.

LaCroix, and this loving support of the craft

This year ’s 5th annual festival runs Thursday, June 20 through Sunday, June 23,

40

inclusiveness and worldliness.

“It’s the perfect village for a global festival,”

carries the festival throughout its extended weekend.

2024. It takes full advantage of the locale,

Much of the festival is dedicated to a series

screening in both the historic Wright Opera

of short films. A medium often “unavailable

House and also under the stars in Fellin Park.

on streaming platforms and in theaters,” short

films are one of the unique ways the festival condenses a plethora of choice and voice into their time slots. “Short films are like short stories: they can pack a lot of life and humanity into such a short span of time,” says LaCroix.

Take the morning block on Friday, June 21, for example, which spans an hour and a half (or the span of a typical full-length film): Waltert and Schoeck’s ethereal Swiss animation Greylands, where the lush and wild, human and stark blend together in a lucid vision of the hunt, rubs shoulders with Nathan Xia’s deeply human Adam’s Song, a meditation on the gravity of self-destruction, creativity and their interpenetration. The novel and oh-so human vantage of a trans-police officer in Angalis Field’s Bust, or the young African migrant in Egypt in Morad Mostafa’s I Promise You Paradise, give way to an experimental retelling of the Navajo creation epic in Diné filmmaker Colten Ashley’s Nihalgai.

The festival’s collaborative nature is downright familial. As such, there is continuity year to year, with filmmakers making vibrant returns to OIFF in 2024. With support from the Telluride Foundation, OIFF will also have a series that highlights Ukrainian filmmakers, led by OIFF alumnus Maria Pankova, and OIFF sweetheart Ethan Payne will be returning with the debut of his full-length feature The Green Flash, following a lauded short at the inaugural OIFF in 2020.

The scope is vast, dizzying and transformative. “You will see comedies that will make you laugh until you cry, documentaries that will broaden your sense of the world and narrative fiction pieces that challenge us to understand ourselves and each other in richer ways,” offers LaCroix. Panels and discussions abound, with expert commentary by scholar in residence (and renowned filmmaker) James Choi as well as various filmmakers and special guests.

It’s ambitious, intellectual and heady, and yet there is also room for movement. A dynamic not often associated with film, dance and music take the center stage in 2024. This year, OIFF will be staging its first live musical experience when San Francisco-based filmmaker HP

IN VAIL.COM Enhancing Vail’s Cultural Vitality.

Ouray Directors Spotlight 2023

Mendoza joins the festival to perform live

First-time filmmakers find ardent supporters,

music to accompany his visual album Attack,

while veterans reconnect with the wider global

Decay, Release.

cinema community. Film audiences expect a

It is a raucous celebration of music and art.

torrent of emotion, but not beneath the stars

A multimedia spectacle that begs participation

at 8,000 feet. They expect moving scores, but

and “a brilliant piece that requires a big area of

not to be expected to move. With “balance,

the opera house to be reserve for the audience

diversity and passion,” OIFF is helping bridge

to dance.” It challenges notions of how an

the gap between what film is and what film

audience engages with cinema.

can be. :

This defiance of expectation is what has made OIFF such a success over its short span.

42

Learn more and get tickets at ourayfilmfestival.com.

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music

HONORING TRADITION WITH NEW CREATIVITY

GRAND JUNCTION FLUTE CIRCLE Words by Kristen Lummis | Photo courtesy of Sue Polan

Y

ou can find them in a canyon, in a silo, in

ancient style of music that allows ample room

a parking garage or in someone’s home.

for self-expression.

While this sounds a bit like a clue in a clever

Digby received his first wooden flute from

riddle, these are among the many diverse places

his father to mark a significant birthday.

the Grand Junction Flute Circle gathers. On any

Digby was intrigued with learning to play the

given Tuesday throughout the year, they meet

instrument and with creating his own flutes

to share music, art, friendship and personal

from wood and other diverse materials.

creativity.

44

Sue Polan grew up playing what she calls

There aren’t any rules or auditions. You can

“the silver flute,” known as a transverse flute.

be self-taught or a student of world music on a

She took up the wooden flute after participating

vertically-held flute. Your flute can be made of

in a class on world flute music taught by local

wood, ceramics or even PVC pipe. You don’t even

architect Greg Dillon, who played publicly and

have to have a flute.

built flutes for many years. Polan recounts that

According to Cliff Digby, a long-time group

she didn’t even own a flute when she joined the

member, the only prerequisite for participating

flute circle. “The first time I attended someone

in the flute circle is to “just want to come and

handed me a flute and I stood up and played,”

listen or want to play and learn more” about this

she shares.

Polan, together with her friend Debbie Wilson, are now students of Native-style flute, traveling to conferences and participating in seminars with notable musicians including R. Carlos Nakai, who has been described as “the world’s premier performer of the Native American flute.”

In addition to playing with the Grand Junction Flute Circle, Polan leads a weekly group of women who are learning to play their own music on Native-style flutes. Polan shares that the mission of both groups — the Grand Junction Flute Circle and the women’s group — is the same: “we want to put music into the world and have fun.”

Wilson agrees. After a career in music in which her “life was built around concerts,” she finds playing these flutes liberating. “The flute is relaxing, a way to explore and expand music. I enjoy the freedom of the whole thing. The first time I went to the flute circle I walked in, got up, and played.” She considers the flute circle “a nice place to let your inner self out.”

While it sounds almost magical — the ability to pick up an instrument and just play — the appeal of these flutes is that there is no right or wrong. Held vertically like a recorder, the flutes have five or six finger holes and notes are played by lifting fingers and opening the holes. While not every combination sounds great, it’s easy to correct mistakes and learn as you go. As Digby puts it, “There is no need to read music. Why are you playing someone else’s song? Play what comes out of you.”

And for those who question the appropriateness of non-Native people creating diverse music on a Native-style instrument, Polan clarifies that the group is aware that they are borrowing from and building on a valuable Indigenous tradition — which is similar to other flute traditions from across the globe. “We honor that we are not of this tradition and yet we honor the tradition,” she explains. “The music becomes ours as we create it.” : For more information on Grand Junction Flute Circle or the Wednesday women’s group, contact Sue Polan at 970.270.4005 or Cliff Digby at 970.589.7166. All are welcome!

food

RIDGWAY IS A TOP FOOD STOP

THIS SMALL TOWN HAS BIG EATS Words + Photos by Nickolas Paullus

Bahn Mi with a view of the San Juans.

W

ith a population of about 1,200 people,

relaxed atmosphere is welcoming to all passing

and an area of just under 2 square miles,

through the cultural crossroads that is Ridgway.

Ridgway is tight-knit.

“Ridgway was kind of a small ag town

scene in town, Ouellette adds that while back in

when I was young,” reflects long-time local and

the day there wasn’t much to stop for, “the years

Tacos Del Gnar owner Joe Ouellette, “and even

after we opened, things started to boom. And

when I opened up the Gnar there wasn’t much

now it’s booming even more.”

happening.”

Ouellette highlights the newest restaurant

10 years later, however, there’s a lot

in town, Kismet. Run by Nate and Tera Wick,

happening in the Ridgway food scene. Take

Kismet is a Mediterranean restaurant that

Ouellette’s Tacos Del Gnar, for example. The

features freshly made pita, succulent kofta and

menu’s wildly creative tacos are a bit of a cultural

house hummus. “Kismet is the new kid on the

phenomenon, and during the busy season, it is

block in many ways,” adds Ouellette, “but those

hard to miss the line winding out the front door

dudes are doing it right.”

and down the patio.

46

Reflecting on the transformation of the food

The Wicks also own local coffee shop and

Much can be said about “The Gnar” and its

bookstore Cimarron Coffee & Books, which

laid-back punk rock atmosphere. TVs broadcast

features Montrose’s Cimarron Coffee Roasters

snowboarding and monster trucks, skateboards

coffee and a small but well-curated bookstore,

and wild art adorn the walls, and Ouellette brings

along with great views of Courthouse Mountain’s

a raucous menu of well-prepared ingredients and

gorgeous ridgeline.

worldly influence. From hearty Korean BBQ steak

Towards Courthouse, on the other side of the

to jerk-seasoned portabella for veg lovers, Gnar’s

highway, Ouellette points to one of the other new

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

47

restaurants in town, Greenwood’s. Brainchild of

Colorado Boy is another Ridgway institution

chef Bill Greenwood, Greenwood’s pays homage

that has been serving artisanal pizza and craft

to the chef’s career and roots in the American

beer since 2008. With just over 20 seats

South. Using top shelf ingredients, the menu

available, the place is always brimming, spilling

boasts Southern staples like grits, boiled peanuts

out onto the patio where locals and tourists alike

and pot pie with a decidedly Colorado flair.

revel in the ambiance of Ridgway’s Clinton Street

Not all of the highlights of the Ridgway food

and the nearby Sherbino Theater.

scene are brand new, though. Amie Minnick’s

Closer to Ouellette’s Gnar, Thai Paradise

Provisions Cafe has been open for nearly nine

offers authentic Thai food in the heart of the San

years, serving sophisticated breakfast, lunch and

Juans. Boba tea, drunken noodles and a peaceful

dinner options throughout. With lauded locals

patio make it one of the restaurants locals

nights, decadent pastries and a well-curated

frequent most often. If you like it hot, make sure

cocktail bar, Minnick

to ask for some of the Thai chilies in fish sauce to

TACOS DEL GNAR CHEFOWNER JOE OUELLETTE’S “TOP 5” IN RIDGWAY

we a r s h e r y ear s

get the spiciest experience in town.

1. Collard Green Ruben from Greenwood’s

of experience as a

There’s so much to love, with authentic Costa

private chef on her

Rican ceviche at Land and Ocean, barbeque

sleeve, as she offers

comfort foods at Lazy Dog, lemon ricotta

2. Mia Bella from Colorado Boy

one of the more

pancakes at Kate’s Place and Ouray staple Bella

3. The Breakfast Sandwich from Provisions Cafe

refined experiences

Vitino now relocated to Ridgway.

in the region.

Ouellette sums up Ridgway as a “foodie

4. Pork Drunken Noodles from Thai Paradise

Likewise,

town at heart.” Ambitious and creative foodies

Eatery 66 offers a

abound, helping the town grow into more

5. The Montuck from Eatery 66

much more nuanced

than just a stopover in between Telluride or

experience

than

Ouray. With the amazing renovation of the old

could be expected from a 1,200-person town.

firehouse looming in the near future, the future

With well-sourced Mezcal, succulent ramen and

for the town’s food scene is bright.

locally sourced produce, the cozy spot with a

“Ridgway is a real community,” Ouellette

hyper-hip horseshoe bar could easily be 40 miles

adds. “It’s why I love it and continue to feel

up the road in Telluride.

inspired in my work as a chef and owner.” :

The soon-to-be-newest place in Ridgway, The Firehouse.

48

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wellness + fitness

HEALING YOUR POSTPARTUM BODY WITH FOOD Words by Jennifer Weintraub COURTESY OF JENNIFER WEINTRAUB

The author in her pregnancy.

T

ransitioning into motherhood is one of the

psychological, social and emotional changes

most significant changes a woman will

while tending to their postpartum bodies

experience. As she enters a new existence, her

during a time of profound healing. It’s crucial

whole world shifts and is reordered.

to remember that self-care, including proper

“Matrescence is the beautiful, refining and sacred process into motherhood,” Hannah

50

nutrition, is not a luxury but a necessity during this time.

Schweitzer, a seasoned postpartum doula

Drawing from ancient wisdom rooted in

based in Grand Junction, explains. Matrescence,

Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine,

the process of becoming a mother, is a sacred

the postpartum period is a time to replenish a

period that invites women to embark on a

woman’s vitality after childbirth, using food as

journey of self-discovery, navigating physical,

medicine.

WHY POSTPARTUM NUTRITION MATTERS

fluids and restoring the chi — or vital energy

Chinese medicine considers the month after

birthing process.

birth to be the sacred window. It is a time of transition, healing and bonding.

Stepping into motherhood, whether for the first time or not, is an intimate and eye-opening

— all resources which were depleted in the Honoring this sacred period through rest and proper nutrition ensures a smoother recovery and faster return to robust and longlasting health.

experience. In addition to grappling with a new life existence, a new mama is exhausted from

FOOD AS MEDICINE

the enormous amount of energy expended

“The focus of the first two weeks [when it

in birthing a child while tending to her birth

comes to food] is completing the cleansing of

wounds.

the uterus, minimizing the risk of infection

“Once the baby leaves the womb, there’s a

and aiding in milk production,” says Johnson.

big, empty hole in a woman’s body, including

The gut and digestion of a new mama are

a wound where the placenta was attached. In

compromised after giving birth.

the weeks after a baby is born, the mother is

In the first few weeks, easily digestible

vulnerable and needs tender attention and

cooked foods take center stage, allowing the

care, just as the baby does,” says Schweitzer.

body to channel its energies into healing rather

Nutrition for postpartum mothers is

than exerting additional, precious energy

designed to be deeply nourishing on many

with digestion. Schweitzer recommends a

levels, explains Kimberly Ann Johnson, author

comforting array of warm, slow-cooked soups,

of The Fourth Trimester. Food choices focus

stews, baked oats and other wholesome meals

on building blood, restoring hormonal levels,

packed with protein and healthy fats to facilitate

nurturing the yin female energy, replenishing

recovery. Infusing meals with spices like ginger,

HANNAH SCHWEITZER (BOTH)

for blood-building,” says Schweitzer. “The body does this naturally; however, it’s important to prioritize iron-rich foods or supplementation to aid this process.” She continues to encourage crockpot meals, hearty stews and plenty of fluids during this time.

PRACTICAL TIPS FOR POSTPARTUM NUTRITION Preparing for the postpartum period involves proactive measures to support healing and ease the transition into motherhood. So, how can you set yourself up for success?

Double or triple your meals throughout the third trimester and freeze the rest so you have a stash of readily available meals after birth.

Seek assistance from friends and family to help with home-cooked meals and simple errands, or consider hiring a postpartum doula. A postpartum doula is a trained professional who meets the needs of a new mama, both physically and emotionally, while they focus on their healing.

Above all, give yourself the grace to rest.

Nurture and nourish your body. Honor this sacred time and new life, mama. It’s going to be a wild ride and a beautiful journey. :

cinnamon and black pepper enhances flavor and promotes warmth, which is essential for blood-building. Additionally, drink plenty of fluids and sip on teas, especially those with digestive, warming and healing properties.

During the initial healing period, avoid cold foods, which demand additional energy for digestion and may slow down the healing process. While raw fruits, salads and smoothies are typically hailed for their health benefits, these harder-to-digest cold foods will strain the body’s recovery in the early stages.

“In the subsequent weeks, [food] should change in their objective from detoxification to fortification; now they are made to strengthen the chi and blood,” Johnson explains. Introduce iron-rich foods like red meats, lentils and cooked spinach into a new mother’s diet to replenish the significant blood loss experienced during childbirth. “Iron is an essential nutrient

52

adventure

GRAND MESA NORTH

COLORADO’S HARDEST ROAD BIKE CLIMBS Words by Kristen Lummis COURTESY OF PJAMM CYCLING, INC.

S

ummer is the height of cycling season in

desert environment. Then as you climb up the

Colorado and a great time to test your legs

Mesa, it gets steeper — long, straight and steep.

and mettle in the mountains. And while our

The switchbacks are long and steep, and at the

beautiful state has numerous mountain passes

top, it’s an alpine setting, a different world.”

to climb, three routes are especially challenging,

Sparky Moir, who says she “loves to climb,”

according to an international rating standard

and has ridden many of the hardest rides in

known as the FIETS index.

Colorado, agrees that the north side of Grand

These climbs are Pikes Peak, Mount Blue Sky

Mesa is “one of the hardest” climbs she’s done.

and Grand Mesa North. And while the south side

This doesn’t mean the ride is unattainable for

of Grand Mesa doesn’t make the top three, it is

recreational cyclists, as long as they’re prepared.

ranked fifth most difficult, behind Trail Ridge

So, to help you prep, here is a collection of the

Road.

best tips for climbing Grand Mesa from four

The climb up the Grand Mesa, from

experienced cyclists — Will Hays, Sparky Moir,

either side, is stunning. Local cyclist Will Hays

Jill Waugh and Brian Flaherty, the team director

describes the ride as “incredible,” noting that

for the National Champion Colorado Mesa

it “starts out with a pretty steady grade in the

University (CMU) cycling team.

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

53

COURTESY OF VISIT GRAND JUNCTION/GRAND MESA (BOTH)

PREPARE + PLAN

Plateau Creek, which extends the roundtrip by

All of our experts agree on the importance of

about 22 miles. Jill Waugh points out that if you

preparation. Be mentally prepared for a long

do the longer ride, the ride back down Plateau

day. It’s a long ride and the mostly straight road

canyon often features a hot, dry headwind. “It’s

from the town of Mesa to Powderhorn Mountain

the worst part of the ride,” she cautions.

Resort is deceptively steep.

Sparky Moir suggests making a plan and

Also, be mindful about where you plan to

sticking with the plan. “Don’t bite off more than

start and end your ride. The FIETS-rated route

you can chew,” she advises. “While it’s tempting

begins at the intersection of Highway 65 and 45

to go up and over, then you have to climb back

½ Road (the DeBeque cutoff), just north of the

up. I’m guilty of doing that.”

turn to Collbran and the town of Mesa. Many

Begin your ride early in the morning.

local riders begin closer to I-70 and ride along

Summer storms at altitude can be dangerous.

NOTES FROM THE SADDLE From Nate Buyon, Golden, Colorado-based cyclist “This lightly-trafficked climb — in car density and relative popularity for cyclists — offers a sizable test for all inclined to embark on the task.

The road to the top of the Grand Mesa is paved with a lot of sweat, gear-mashing and a bit of cursing. This nearly 20-mile-long ascent boasting an elevation change of over 5,000 feet puts you at just shy of a total elevation of 11,000 feet above sea level.

Outside of Pikes Peak and Mount Blue Sky, there are very few roads that offer such a

54

continuous elevation rise. With a lower starting elevation, the Grand Mesa offers a great spring test of fitness or a late push in fall, while the two paved 14ers have a much narrower window of when the elements are less of an issue.

The steady gradient of this climb, around 5%, allows you to be able to settle into a rhythm as you ascend above Powderhorn Mountain Resort.

When it comes time to flip it around, you will want to ensure you are well hydrated and fueled because, although

not technical, the road surface to the town of Mesa is less than ideal, with some major potholes and road payment changes. Maintaining your focus is essential as you will be continuously descending for some time. I completed this test in two hours with an average heart rate of 144 bpm. There is no place to hide going up, but overall, this can be an enjoyable journey if you have good fitness. However, if you have been slacking, this will make for a long day out.”

You don’t want to get caught in a thunderstorm.

Also, Moir suggests avoiding peak traffic times on the Grand Mesa. Although Highway 65 is usually a lonely road, fall colors bring out traffic and crowds on weekends.

Finally, CMU’s Brian Flaherty recommends training. “Build your climbing workouts over time. Don’t try and sit on a two-hour climb right away,” he says.

DRESS IN LAYERS As Hays points out, you’ll be riding through numerous climate zones. You’ll get hot going up and cold coming down. Pack a jacket and gloves for the descent. Don’t forget sunscreen and insect repellant.

EAT + DRINK Hydration and nutrition are critical to success on any ride. However, long climbs require extra vigilance.

“Hydrate more than you normally would,” advises Flaherty. “As your respiratory rate

COLORADO’S THREE HARDEST CYCLING CLIMBS

increases, you’ll need to consume more fluids

Pikes Peak

both on the ride and throughout the day. Eat

FIETS: 17.8

more than you normally would, as your caloric expenditure will be higher with a higher workload.”

At a minimum, eat something every hour

Rankings: 1 (CO), 4 (USA), 38 (WORLD) Mount Blue Sky FIETS: 12.5

and drink continuously.

Rankings: 2 (CO), 10 (USA), 153 (WORLD)

RIDING TIPS

Grand Mesa North

Flaherty recommends “standing every 10-15

FIETS: 11.1

minutes to stretch your legs,” as well as pacing

Rankings: 3 (CO), 24 (USA), 245 (WORLD)

yourself. He suggests setting an achievable pace, and if you can, choosing an optimal gear ratio for the climb by switching out the front chainring, rear cassette, or both.

No matter what your gearing, take Hays’ advice to stay in “a low enough gear where you can spin.” Don’t get bogged down.

Both Waugh and Moir suggest noting road damage as you climb, so you can avoid unpleasant surprises on your way back down.

Look ahead, and don’t overuse your brakes.

Or as Waugh puts it, “just go with it.” Which is great advice for any ride. :

THE FIETS INDEX FORMULA H2/(10*D) + [(T-1000)/1000]* H = ending elevation minus starting elevation in meters D = total distance traveled in meters T = peak elevation in meters *Note: Only add (T-1000)/1000 when T is greater than 1000.

USING THIS FORMULA, THE HIGHER THE FIETS NUMBER, THE HARDER THE CLIMB.

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

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spoke

GET OUTSIDE!

GEAR FOR THE SEASON Compiled by S+B Staff

Down & Dirty Guide to Camping with Kids Written by experienced Colorado-based camper and mother of three, Helen Olsson, Down & Dirty is a comprehensive

BOTE Inflatable Hangout Chair

yet fun guide to camping

Thule Urban Glide 3

Sit back and relax with an

Designed for active parents, this

in-water Adirondack chair

stroller update from Thule is easy to

experience. Soak in the sun while

maneuver with its sleek, lightweight

being supported by a PVC sling,

design, and the large 16-inch air-filled

and the reclined seatback will

tires and top-tier suspension make for

keep you in an ideal lounging

a smooth ride. Navigate all terrains

position. And so you don’t float

with the swivel front wheel or lock

away, D-rings allow you to link to a

it in place for stability during brisk

boat or friends in floaters nearby.

walks or runs. The twist hand brake

$349 boteboard.com

Astronaut Ice Cream Sandwiches Take ice cream anywhere, no freezer required! These freeze-dried treats are a great combination of crunchy and creamy. Available in flavors like mint chocolate chip, vanilla and cookies & cream, the ultimate summer snack is now much more portable. From $4.99 each, available to order in bulk and in variety packs. astronautfoods.com

ensures optimal control on both flat with kids. Whether it’s

and hilly terrains. The stroller features

a simple overnight or

a one-handed, compact fold that

a more adventurous

simplifies storage and transportation,

trek, this book provides

while the spacious cargo basket with

everything from essential

a zip-top cover offers ample space for

checklists to advice on

essentials. $649.95

choosing gear, setting up

thule.com

camp and meal planning.

This updated version includes the latest in products and outdoor practices, and it was awarded by the NAPPA

Flaxta Above Sunglasses

(the National Parenting

From town to trail, the Flaxta’s large

Product Awards). $24.95

cylindrical lens offers vast perspective

shambhala.com

with a flash of style. Equipped with non-slip rubber nose pads and temple tips, these sunglasses give solid comfort and resilience in any terrain.

Check out the playful frame and color options. $80 flaxta.com

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spoke

Free Fly Apparel Elevate Lightweight Tank + All Day Pocket Short Designed for hot-weather performance, the Elevate Lightweight Tank has fourway stretch, drirelease technology and superior breathability to keep you cool and dry on the sweltering days. It’s ideal for workouts, but its boxy and slightly cropped fit also suits everyday wear. Pair this with the All Day Pocket Short, which features a matte finish and high-waisted design. Plus, it comes with handy pockets for essentials like your phone, cash or keys. Perfect for yoga, errands or any medium-impact outdoor activities.

Tank: $48; Shorts: $64 freeflyapparel.com

Mystery Ranch RADIX 47 Pack Minimalist mountaineers and fast packers will love the swiftness, adaptability and resilience of this backpack. The strategically placed off-center zipper

PackTowl Changing Poncho From smart travel and van life to beach days and river trips, this versatile essential serves as both a super-absorbent towel and a portable changing room. The roomy poncho design makes it easy to switch between swimwear or muddy gear into fresh clothes. It’s made from 85% recycled fabric, and features a convenient kangaroo pocket for warming hands or holding essentials. $59.95 packtowl.com

makes full access a breeze, while the pocketed lid and removable waist belt with pockets ensure your essentials and snacks are always within reach. The pack is tailored with men’s and women’s specific harnessing for an ideal ergonomic fit. $249 mysteryranch.com

Gorewear Concurve Gore-Tex Jacket This jacket is ultra-lightweight, fully waterproof and equipped with the innovative ePE membrane, enhancing durability while maintaining a low carbon footprint. It was designed for running, but it’s a versatile piece that helps you weather a storm if you’re on foot or bike. $250 gorewear.com

Outdoor Research Astroman Air Short Sleeve Shirt Get outside and play with the UPF 30-50+ protection of this featherlight tee. Its design includes movement-mirroring stretch for maximum mobility, along with exceptional ventilation and breathability, making it perfect for staying cool and comfortable in warm,

Sea to Summit Detour Camp Kitchen Collection This kit includes the first collapsible camp kitchen gear that’s compatible with both gas stoves and induction cooktops.

Made from durable stainless steel, the collection offers a noise-free storage solution to guarantee a peaceful journey without compromising on the convenience and quality of home-cooked meals, no matter your mode of adventure. Order by piece or set; $19.95 - $199.95 seatosummit.com

sunny weather. $99 outdoorresearch.com SPOKE+BLOSSOM

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spoke

GEAR PROFILE

GILI GEAR ECO-FRIENDLY WATERWAY ESSENTIALS Words by Clare J. Hefferren | Photo courtesy of Gili Gear

Say goodbye to funky smells with Gili, which creates its gear with antimicrobial, stain and odor-resistant properties.

I

n the ethical commerce and sustainability

duffle bags. This paved the way for Gili Gear’s

world, discovering Gili Gear from Colorado

inception, with each item designed like a

sparks my curiosity. Initially met with a casual

salmon swimming upstream, persistently and

nod of approval, the mesh outdoor gear products

intelligently overcoming challenges. Gili Gear’s

reveal themselves to be much more than

journey began in 2015 on the rugged coastline

expected upon closer inspection. I now realize

of Gili Air, Indonesia, with excitement and

the exceptional nature of Gili Gear.

reverence for nature.

CRAFTING ADVENTURES WITH PURPOSE

to create an eco-friendly line. Anchored with

Derek Redd was a resourceful youngster. When

social responsibility, their sustainable products

unable to find what he desired, he handcrafted

and recurring contributions to six water-focused

I am struck by the truth of Redd’s desire

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the brand values of environmental, ethical and

nonprofit organizations underscore a dedication

INVENTOR MINDSET

to making a positive impact.

For an adventurous inventor, the prototype quest never ends. Eager to unveil his latest

GOOD INTENTIONS GO FAR

creations, Redd recently crafted a mesh bimini

After six months of Edwards, Colorado, garage

for personal use — a brilliant solution that

production, Gili Gear partnered with a B-certified

neither catches the wind nor obstructs the

Colorado manufacturer and a North Carolina

sunshine. Mass production remains a challenge

distributor to bring their vision to life — and

due to unique boat nuances, yet innovation is

22 countries (so far). What started as a quest

clearly his forte, and Redd always has a trick up

for personal gear blossomed into a full-fledged

his sleeve.

eco-friendly brand, offering a wide range of

In terms of simplicity, durability and price,

products suited for adventure, sport and travel.

Gili Gear can’t be beaten. As an active woman

Where outdoor gear is subjected to the rigors of

relying on her SUV’s tub system for fast, easy

transportation, sunshine and sand, durability is

access (eight sports and counting in the gear

paramount — yet many fall short.

garage), Gili makes me rethink my system with no signs of fade or ravel, thanks to the UV coating

THIS DOESN’T STINK

and french seams.

Driving behind a garbage truck isn’t the most

Scout out Gili Gear on PADI’s online platform,

appealing sight, but one special day on the way

at dive trade exhibitions or local outlets like

back from Shoshone Rapids, it smelled sweet.

Denver Divers and the Vail Farmers Market & Art

Gili fabric is born from the unlikely source of

Show, with plans underway to extend availability

vinyl-coating poly yarn remnants, repurposed

to additional Western Colorado stores. :

from utility bed covers and weaving machines.

With antimicrobial, stain and odor-resistant

giligear.com

properties, each spool of yarn is a unique result of this process, woven into limited runs of 10-20 bags per color combination.

Gili’s commitment to sustainability shines through in their repurposed materials and spacious designs, from duffles to gear cubes and more. Whether it’s the roll-top drag bag, slings or eco-zip totes, they provide practical solutions with style while the mesh fabric keeps gear dry and odor-free, even in damp conditions.

HANDS-FREE GEAR BAG BACKPACK CREATES WAVES

RAFT THROUGH THE HEART OF

DINOSAUR NATIONAL MONUMENT

Embark on a 4-day, 3-night adventure on the Green River through Lodore Canyon. This trip offers it all: whitewater, hikes, wildlife, waterfalls, beautiful camps, and views for days.

From whitewater rapids to dive depths, Gili Gear

Trips run May through September!

recently launched the Gili Backpack ($115) at

800-624-6323 • www.BikeRaft.com • Follow us on Instagram ~ bikeraft

the 2023 Gauley Fest. When you need an extra hand to haul your gear, Gili’s got your back with its equal weight-bearing pack, featuring fixed waterproof material on the back and bottom to prevent soaking your back and car seat.

Watch for it on the backs of the USA Freestyle Kayaking team.

spoke

ATHLETE PROFILE

DAVID BECKER CLIMBS V12 Words by Lucie Hanes | Photo courtesy of David Becker

E

agle County-based climber David Becker

Ultimately, that’s the way most climbers

recently achieved the kind of athletic

want it. We tend to be aloof creatures who don’t

milestone that won’t ever get the recognition

necessarily seek out the spotlight. At the same

that it deserves. Unlike endurance sports such

time, these understated accomplishments take

as running and cycling, where even those who

an enormous amount of effort and commitment

don’t have insider knowledge will understand

— not only while climbing but in all of life’s adjacent aspects as well. Climber or not, journeys like Becker’s are worth appreciating.

This Eagle local completed his first V12 boulder this past year. In case that number doesn’t mean anything to you, it’s a standard that less than 1% of climbers will reach in the sport. The fact that he’s far from a full-time athlete and lives in a town smothered by snow for half the year makes the accomplishment all the more remarkable. The feats of professional athletes who make a living from their sport, while impressive, often lack relatability. They have scant other responsibilities to worry about besides training, recovering and performing at their peak.

But that’s not Becker’s situation. He’s your typical 9-to-5 worker bee who has figured out his keys to exceptional time and energy management. Becker credits the expertise of his coach, Robyn Fog, for helping him prioritize efficiency in his climbing training. He recognizes that “being able to hire a coach is a privilege.”

But he also believes that “very few greats made it to where they are without a coach, or at least a mentor of some sort, who could keep them on track doing the things they needed to do to

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the value of placing well in a race, outdoor

reach a lofty goal,” especially for those who don’t

climbing doesn’t have the same relatability.

have unlimited opportunities to muck through

There are no competitions to earn notoriety, no

the trial and error required to figure things

medals to wear, no podium to stand on. Most of

out alone.

the time, it’s just a couple people taking turns

With Fog’s support, Becker determined

pulling on minuscule edges and dimples of rock

three main areas of focus that sent the quality

with nothing but a phone camera on a makeshift

of his climbing skyrocketing: building a strong

tripod to capture the moment.

foundation, pinpointing weaknesses and

creating consistency. As he sees it in retrospect,

the specific demands of his climbing project

Becker says he used to spend most of his time

above all else. “There’s this saying: ‘Do the most

fighting above his weight. “Failure is good

important thing first,’ and I try to adhere to

sometimes,” he shares. “It keeps you fighting and

that every day,” explains Becker. The practice

learning, but the majority of the time, you need

helped him, “sift through all the BS ” as he puts

to succeed to progress.” He believes failure builds

it, and focus on a few essential tasks that would

confidence and that generates momentum.

generate momentum from there.

So in what seemed like a counterproductive

Becker pulled all of these pieces together

move at first, Becker dialed back his efforts until

with a monumental send of Rhythm of the

he found himself sending more than flailing.

Saints, a V12 boulder problem near Red Cliff.

He also shifted some of his training away from

The climb wasn’t one that he would have picked

the climbing wall and into the weight room

for himself a few years ago. “I thought the first

to round out his base of physical strength.

V12 I would climb would be some heinous,

Both approaches allowed him to build a more

tension-dependent and crimp-heavy problem,”

robust foundation that translated to increased

he muses, “but after two years of working

confidence and resilience on his hardest climbs.

weaknesses, the compression boulder with

But to work on the hardest climbs effectively,

a massive move at the end felt within reach.”

Becker needed to learn how to identify — and

In other words, Becker surprised himself by

actually improve — his weaknesses. “We all hate

picking a boulder problem that catered to

doing it,” he admits, “and I ignored these things

the exact opposite of what he would have

for a long time.” He shares that he got to the point

considered his style in the past.

where he couldn’t even figure out what exactly

Becker’s journey, which is far from over,

he struggled with because he’d gotten so out of

shows that there’s no better sign of true growth

touch with that side of himself.

than turning a shortcoming into a strength. :

Through fresh eyes, Fog managed to identify the low-hanging fruit that would help balance out Becker’s set of climbing skills. Not only that, but she kept him accountable to doing the work required to go beyond noticing them and into actually improving them. “I don’t like disappointing the people who are cheering for me,” Becker laughs, so the knowledge that Fog would be asking him how things were going on a regular basis kept him chugging along through the discomfort.

Having Fog as an external source of accountability helped Becker realize one of his greatest strengths: consistency. As Becker says, “[I] may not be the strongest or the most technically gifted, but consistency is something I can do well ... without consistency,” he’s noticed, “everything else kind of falls apart for me.”

For Becker, consistency doesn’t come just in the form of a regular training schedule. It also includes having a set warm-up routine that grounds him in the present moment, mentally rehearsing his climbing project every night before bed, setting actionable goals for every climbing session and systematically prioritizing

grand outdoors

THE PERSEID METEOR SHOWER

FIRE IN THE SKY

By Sandy Ferguson Fuller | Photo by Rick Spitzer

“I’ve seen it raining fire in the sky ...”

— John Denver, Rocky Mountain High

T

here are many rewards to experience in

a regular must-see for seasoned meteor experts

Colorado mountain summer nights. Cool

and enthusiasts, but is it on your radar?

breezes, lingering sunsets, soulful silences, star

62

gazing and other spectacular celestial events.

PLAN AHEAD

It’s always welcoming to spot Orion the Hunter

Heads Up: 2024 should be an excellent year to

hovering above, a familiar anchor in our ever-

observe the shower on its peak night. Lunar

shifting world.

movement is like precise clockwork and, on

One of the most dramatic performances on

August 12, 2024, the half-moon is scheduled

nature’s playlist is the annual Perseid meteor

to set about midnight, staging dark skies as

shower. The Perseids are visible across the high

the perfect backdrop to highlight the shower

country, mid-July through August. The event is

until dawn’s early light. Optimum time to look

for meteors is in the pre-dawn hours on peak

As Earth travels annually around the sun, each

viewing dates.

summer it passes through this stream of debris material. Heated ice and dust fragments enter

Hike Up: the higher and darker, the better!

our atmosphere at speeds up to 130,000 miles

Many Colorado locales host viewing events

per hour.

and astronomy programs including Rocky Mountain National Park (Trail Ridge Road

Brush Up Your Camera Skills: to capture

or Beaver Meadows) and Mueller State Park

Perseids on film, be prepared and do your

in Colorado Springs. Seek out “dark spots” at

research. Meteor showers, albeit spectacular,

Guanella Pass, Echo Lake/Mt. Evans, Steamboat,

prove challenging to photograph for both

Leadville, Maroon Bells-Snowmass or Holy Cross

amateur and expert photographers. Any night

Wilderness areas, Great Sand Dunes National

photography requires special skills. Don’t expect

Park, etc.

to just point and shoot to get the perfect image.

Pay attention to your camera’s capabilities, lens,

Look Up: wherever you are, step outside

settings, battery capacity, shooting technique

and look up! If you can’t be at high altitude,

and recommended accessories (tripod, shutter-

the Perseid meteor shower is often visible at

release), etc.

lower elevations, too. Telescope not required …

Eagle County-based professional photo-

except for enhanced effects! To spot meteors in

grapher Rick Spitzer provides the image for this

northern latitudes, view to the north.

article and some basic tips:

Lucky sky watchers searching for the

“You need a DSLR, 50mm lens or shorter,

Perseids may also spot stray meteors generated

tripod and intervalometer. Place camera on

by the southern delta Aquariid meteor shower,

tripod. Set camera to the bulb setting, generally

which peaks in late July.

pointed east/northeast. Set intervalometer for

This fall, four full “supermoons” will occur

30 seconds, continuous images, lowest f-stop.

as the Moon moves closer to Earth than at any

I recommend using f/4 and ISO 3200. Shoot

other time during the year. If you miss the

from hour after sunset to hour before sunrise.

supermoon on August 19, you may still observe

Then select tracks in each image and convert

others during lunar cycles on September 18,

background to black. Finally, those images and

October 17 or November 15, 2024.

one image with stars and foreground are stacked in Photoshop; blend layers using ‘Lighten.’”

Layer Up: high-altitude nights are chilly, so dress warmly.

STAY TUNED Looking ahead, the late Finnish meteor

Read Up: what creates the shower? This

astronomer Esko Lyytinen predicts that Perseids

phenomenon occurs when the Earth makes its

may put on an exceptionally strong performance

yearly “dive” through debris clouds left behind

in 2028. Again, in that year on August 12-13, as

in the solar system by Comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle.

the Earth passes within 37,000 miles of a debris

Given proper conditions, it is possible to spot

stream from Comet Swift-Tuttle, the effect may

about 100 light trails or fireballs per hour.

produce a meteor storm, with 1,000 meteors per

The meteors appear to come directly from the

hour or more.

Perseus constellation in the northeastern sky; in reality, they travel in our solar system.

When Comet Swift-Tuttle speeds close to our sun star, heat radiation causes solid ice to transform immediately into gas. This gas escapes the comet and scatters fragments of ice, dust and rock to be deposited around the sun.

Comet Swift-Tuttle, discovered in 1862, is the largest object known to repeatedly pass our planet Earth. On its most recent pass in 1992, it was too faint to be seen with the naked eye.

Its next appearance, in 2126, should be more visible (good luck with that!).

Enjoy shower splendor 2024! :

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

63

take a hike

MARBLE, COLORADO

YULE CREEK TRAIL Words + Photos by Melanie Wiseman

M

arble, Colorado, and the surrounding area has been a favorite summer hiking

destination of mine since the late 1980s.

Countless times, without a second thought, I passed an inconspicuous marker on the marble quarry road, until this past summer when I discovered what I’d been missing for decades!

If you are up for a challenging but unforgettable hike, Yule Creek Trail #2083 is a lightly-traveled 10-mile out-and-back trail encompassing everything on one’s “epic” checklist. The trail follows Yule Creek, located in the Raggeds Wilderness, which covers 65,443 acres spanning the Gunnison and White River National Forests. The elevation gain is 2,700 feet, from 9,000 to 11,700.

The first 3/4 mile is quite steep, as you are actually climbing up and over the Yule Marble Quarry just 1/4 mile up the road from the trailhead. The trail then transitions to a milder uphill grade, through rocky forested terrain.

Not knowing what to expect, it was a stunning contrast when the trail broke out from thick timber into an astonishing valley. A rocky outcropping was the perfect spot for a lunch break and extended quiet time to soak in the overwhelming view. The trail continues with a brief drop into the valley, crosses the creek (which can be difficult in June and early July high water conditions) and continues through willows, meadows and patches of conifers. Keep your eyes peeled for wild raspberries, moose, red fox, deer, elk, beavers, trout and a variety of birds and raptors.

I recommend hiking Yule Creek Trail late July/early August if you want to take advantage of the spectacular wildflower extravaganza lining the trail and blanketing the valley. Do not attempt to break any speed records on this trail.

Slow down, look all around and get up close and

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personal with the fleeting gift the wildflowers

DIRECTIONS

offer — vibrant harebell, sun-loving asters,

n From Carbondale, travel south on Hwy 133 for 25 miles

white columbine, sow parsnip, golden old man on the mountain daisies and deep purple monkshood, to name a few. I found the most

to the Marble turnoff. n Turn left onto Country Road 3 and continue 7 miles

to the town of Marble.

challenging part of the hike was having to

n Turn right on 3rd Street (the Yule Marble Quarry road),

return to the trailhead. Four-wheel drive is

cross the river and drive 2¾ miles, where you’ll find a

not required and the trail is dog-friendly. :

wide spot and trail marker on the right.

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

65

BONUS! YULE MARBLE QUARRY Just 1/4 mile past the trailhead is Yule Marble Quarry, one of the largest, most important marble deposits in the world.

Discovered in 1873, the quarry didn’t begin to take shape until 1905 after $3 million was raised, with the help of the Rockefellers. Marble deposits are found underground, requiring deep cuts into steep mountainsides; a difficult and time-consuming endeavor.

The town of Marble nearly became a ghost town when the quarry closed in 1941 as America focused on steel for the war. After almost 50 years of closure, it reopened in 1990 and is still in operation today.

66

Large chunks and slabs of marble deemed unsuitable are dumped over the quarry’s edge, a vastly different site from typical mill tailings we see in Colorado. Viewing for visitors may vary based on operations and ownership.

It’s exciting to note that marble from the Yule Quarry can be found all over the United States for construction and artistic use. Much of the marble has made its home in our nation’s capital, where it has become the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, The Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial, for example.

Plan your Yule Creek hike in conjunction with the annual Marble Symposium, now in its 35th year. The public is free to meander throughout

the outdoor event between July 2 and August 5, 2024, to watch in awe as stone carvers transform marble from the nearby Yule Quarry with their artistic magic and grit.

family

VACATIONING WITH A TODDLER IN A CAMPER VAN STRENGTHENED OUR FAMILY + CHANGED OUR PERSPECTIVE ON TRAVEL

ON THE ROAD, TOGETHER Words by Amanda McCracken | Photos courtesy of Amanda McCracken

“L

et’s play family!”

So, we jumped at the chance when our

These three words became a frequent

friends at Adventure Wagon invited us to take

request from our (then) 2.5-year-old daughter

one of their versatile built-out Sprinter vans for

soon after we’d taken a six-day Colorado van

a multi-day spin, complete with a refrigerator,

trip together.

comfortable mattress and power station offering

For weeks building up to the trip, we

five days of off-grid power. Adventure Wagon’s

wondered if we were mentally equipped for

motto, “van life for real life,” made us seriously

the “adventure.” And days upon returning from

consider the potential we have to buy a low-

the 734-mile journey, feeling and looking more

mileage van for $35,000 and slowly build it out

exhausted than when we’d left, we questioned if

as it becomes financially feasible.

it were really a vacation.

We aren’t the only ones interested in trying

We were sold on the romantic idea of the

van life. According to a survey conducted by

freedom to go and land wherever and whenever

Lonely Planet and Fiverr, 70% of “anywhere

you desire, illustrated by #vanlife images posted

workers” are parents traveling with their

on social media by our child-free friends.

children. “How difficult could this be?” we

However, we were in no financial place to buy a

thought. The pandemic hastened the demand for

six-figure souped-up Mercedes Sprinter van.

camper vans, and despite the pandemic being

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

67

campsite overlooking the Arkansas Valley and the Collegiate Peaks. Outside Crested Butte, we parked at Musician’s Camp alongside a rushing creek, steps away from the iconic Maroon Bells.

In Gunnison and Ouray, we “cheated” with a much-needed hotel room for a shower and space.

In Hotchkiss, we stopped at Big B’s Orchards for dinner and drinks. There we parked for the night in the middle of a blooming apple orchard.

While my husband and I were interested in stopping for gushing waterfalls, our daughter had an eagle eye for playgrounds; we learned to forgo the waterfalls (the sound bothered her ears) and stop frequently for the playgrounds.

We took the time to sit in the sand and play with her — even when it was in the middle of urban sprawl en route to somewhere (we thought) more beautiful.

My husband and I had dreams of hiking gorgeous remote trails together as a family. In reality, our daughter was interested in walking short distances and then stopping by streams to explore. We took turns getting our exercise in while the other played with her.

Even after the trip was over, we continue to learn about travel through our daughter.

Now, she plays with a toy camper van at home — and she doesn’t mimic the arguments over who is peeing when or where the damn jackets The author spending a sunny morning in a vineyard.

were stored. She packs her tiny backpacks with random items for her next “trip” — a small stuffed dog, crayons, binoculars, a tiger mask —

over, van sales have continued to increase.

There are also options to rent a van from owners on sites like Outdoorsy or Cascade Van Rentals rather than taking on the commitment of purchasing one.

We thought simpler would be better. We packed Eagle Creek packing cubes (color-coded for each person) in Adventure Wagon’s soft overhead storage compartments to create a little organization. But in the end, we had to embrace the chaos that quickly ensued and learn to focus on the moments outside together.

We drove 27 hours from Boulder to Buena Vista to Crested Butte to Gunnison to Ouray to Hotchkiss and back to Boulder. Our first night, we camped at a designated dispersed

68

and doesn’t stress over having too much or too little or the wrong things.

While our van trip with a toddler revealed rifts in our team, it also magnified our strengths and helped us see Colorado differently. Authors of the new book Wonder Year: A Guide to LongTerm Family Travel and World Schooling share a similar perspective: “The sensory experiences of travel lay down foundations for all learning.

Enjoy thinking about your journey through your toddler’s eyes. If you share their mindset of wonder, you’re all on the same team.”

Go. Take the opportunity of playing family in new ways. :

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

69

stay + play

SUMMER/FALL CABINS, RV SITES + TENT CAMPING

KEBLER CORNER Words + Photos by Kim Fuller

I

f you’ve driven McClure Pass connecting

Kebler Corner is open May through October,

Redstone and Somerset, or hit the scenic

and reservations are always recommended.

route to or from Crested Butte on Kebler Pass,

The property features a range of cabin sizes,

then you’ve driven by the quaint intersection

RV sites (with full hookups or electricity only)

that is the home of Kebler Corner.

and scenic riverside tent sites. The amenities

We enjoyed two nights at this sweet

add extra touches of camping enjoyments and

campground in the quiet time of mid-October.

comfort, including river access, hiking trails,

It was a sunny weekend with crisp autumn air.

outdoor common spaces, a general store with

The summer crowds had waned and we had

basic groceries, coin-operated laundry, guest Wi-

some time and space to take our puppy Pepper

Fi access and private bathrooms with showers.

camping for the first time, unplug a bit, road bike

Nightly rates start at $35.

McClure and venture to some North Fork Valley wineries for an afternoon.

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An abundance of wilderness access and nearby activities make Kebler Corner an ideal

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

71

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location for a quiet retreat or full family getaway. Nearby towns like Paonia have beautiful you-pick orchards and wine tasting terraces, live music and art shows throughout the summer and fall months. Day trips to beautiful mountain destinations like Crested Butte and Ouray are accessible from Kebler Corner, and local offerings from outfitters like Western Slope SUP can bring you out for a river adventure.

We most enjoyed taking it easy, relaxing on the property, heading out for some fun during the day and then cozying up by the fire back at the campsite. Kebler Corner is a basecamp for whatever you’re looking to do, offering the comforts of a home-away-from home and the magic that is camping in Colorado. : Kebler Corner 30682 Co Rd 12 Somerset, CO keblercorner.com

getaway

WEEKEND ESCAPE WITH LOCAL FLAIR

GETAWAY TO PORTLAND, MAINE Words by Kim Fuller + Laura Mills COURTESY OF PORTLAND HARBOR HOTEL

I

grew up visiting Maine’s Midcoast every

From the iconic lighthouse standing guard

summer, and the handful of times we stopped

at the harbor to the lush landscapes that change

in Portland’s Old Port District before embarking

with the seasons, Portland presents a serene

on the rest of “Vacationland” was definitely

escape with a touch of adventure. Whether

memorable, and I always wanted to stay longer.

you’re a foodie, an outdoor enthusiast or

As an adult, the time finally aligned to enjoy a

someone seeking solace in the beauty of the

couple of days enjoying the city before heading

Atlantic, enjoy exploring Portland for a weekend

home to Colorado.

(or longer).

Portland offers a captivating blend of historic

74

charm and contemporary vitality. This maritime

STAY : PORTLAND HARBOR HOTEL

gem invites travelers to wander through its

Located right in the heart of the Portland Old

cobblestone streets, explore the vibrant arts

Port district, the Portland Harbor Hotel is just

scene and indulge in the culinary delights that

about a block away from the bustling waterfront.

have garnered national acclaim.

It welcomes guests with a tasteful nautical

theme in navy, khaki and white, complemented

offer a sweet refuge before and after daily

by custom-crafted Thomas Moser furniture and

excursions. portlandharborhotel.com

polished hardwood floors, pristine as a schooner.

Portland native Laura Mills knows the city

The hotel is adorned with original pieces

like it was in her backyard for over two decades,

from Maine artists. Jim Dugan’s captivating

as it actually was, and she was certainly a great

monochromatic maritime photography lines the

tour guide during our visit. She explained how

hallways and public spaces, offering guests a

much the city has grown and evolved over the

visual journey through the heritage that defines

years, but her mainstay hangouts are tried-

the region. Angela Adams, renowned for her

and-true. Check out Mills’ top picks for the best

exquisite rug designs, has contributed uniquely

lobster roll, watering hole, sushi spot, waterside

handcrafted nautical flags that hold the space

stroll, music venue and local shop.

above the hotel beds. These flags, artfully

­­— Kim Fuller

arranged in frames, spell out “DREAM,” adding a touch of inspiration to each room.

The Portland Harbor Hotel makes for an

LOCAL LOVE : 6 PORTLAND PICKS The Highroller Lobster Co.

ideal home-away-from-home while you’re in the

Take the best lobster roll you’ve ever had and

city. The central location and charming details

place it in an 1960s-style red and white diner — KIM FULLER

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

75

KIM FULLER

meets Fore Street with their patio overlooking the water and all the happenings of the Old Port.

This sushi spot has a killer lunchtime bento box special every day and elevates the vibe come nighttime. Their saké menu is lengthy and the service is top-notch. If you want to experience Maine seafood with a little Japanese flair, this is the spot. yosakumaine.com The Eastern Promenade The Eastern Promenade, or as locals call it “The Prom,” is an expansive, grassy hill overlooking Portland’s harbor. At the base of the hill is a selection of the town’s best food trucks and just past that is a walking path, kayak rentals and a boat launch. If you are looking for a relaxing way to spend the day — grab a bottle of wine, your pup and head to this spot. Have yourself a merry little picnic overlooking some of Maine’s gorgeous coastline. visitportland.com

that’s Highroller! Owned by Baxter Key, Andy Gerry and Peter Bissell, this restaurant boasts some of the best microbrews, along with frozen margs and lobster rolls done just right. Imagine the most delicious brioche bun, lightly buttered and grilled, absolutely loaded with hand-picked lobster meat and then topped with your choice of mayo — jalapeño comes highly recommended.

Throw a side of Old Bay seasoned fries on the plate and you’re set. The retro-funky vibe makes this place an easy go-to. highrollerlobster.com Amigos Mexican Restaurant Cheap beer on the covered patio? Pool and darts inside? Jell-o shots? Sounds like the ideal picturesque dive bar — and that it is! Amigos is a favorite watering hole among the locals and just celebrated 50 years in business. Whether it’s your go-to for live music on weekends in the summer or a place to meet your restaurant industry friends for a post-work bevy, Amigos is, and likely always will, be there. amigosoldport.com Yosaku Family-owned, high-quality, and serving superfresh sushi, Yosaku is located where Danforth

76

The State Theatre The State Theatre, also known as “The State,” is a historic theatre located in the Arts District of Portland at 609 Congress Street. It features Art Deco architecture and hosts musical acts from every genre — pulling in some bigger names such as Lake Street Dive, Atmosphere, Griz and much more. This building has been in existence since 1929 and the history is quite apparent as soon as you walk up. Check out their upcoming shows if you’re in the area — you may be surprised who is playing! statetheatreportland.com Mexicali Blues Looking for some whimsical but practical earthfocused threads? Mexicali Blues is a Maineowned, ever-expanding small business that started as just one shop! They have everything from your go-to festival threads to skirts you can wear to the office, jewelry that will last a lifetime and ethically sourced decor for your apartment. The staff is welcoming and the vibes are good — you won’t be leaving empty handed! mexicaliblues.com :

— Laura Mills

LAURA MILLS

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adventure + experience guide

GRAND VALLEY CLIMBING GYM Enjoy climbing for beginners, experts and everyone between! With walls from 25 to 50 feet tall, bouldering, auto belays, top ropes, lead climbing, adjustable system boards, strength and aerobic workout areas, Grand Valley Climbing Gym (GVCG) is a fun and lively destination any time of year.

The facility offers everything from birthday parties to competition climbing, family fun climbing sessions to private training. Along with all of the adult and youth training and educational programs, GVCG hosts seasonal events like IFSC World Cup boulder and lead and Olympic viewing parties, climbing movie nights, slideshows and more. New members and day visitors welcome! With over 14,000-square-feet to space, this is the Grand Valley’s only full-service climbing gym.

A range of membership options and punch passes are available.

970.270.2022 grandvalleyclimbing.com

HOLIDAY RIVER EXPEDITIONS Discover the ultimate adventure with Holiday River Expeditions!

Experience the thrill of their White Rim & Cataract Canyon combination bike and raft trips. Dive into the heart of Utah’s stunning landscapes as you traverse the iconic White Rim Trail through Island in the Sky District of Canyonlands National Park by mountain bike. Then, experience Canyonlands by river as you raft the exhilarating rapids of Cataract Canyon. With expert guides leading the way, you’ll explore rugged canyons, towering cliffs and remote wilderness areas, all while creating memories to last for years to come. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty and excitement of two incredible adventures in one unforgettable journey.

Book your White Rim & Cataract Canyon combination trip today with Holiday River Expeditions and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime!

801.266.2087 bikeraft.com 78

adventure + experience guide

Adventure Travel Guides International (ATGI) Join the Vail Valley’s best rock climbing guiding service for an unforgettable adventure. Specializing in children and family climbing trips for everyone from beginners to experts, come experience the beauty of the Colorado High Country in the White River National Forest.

970.949.6366 larry.atgi@gmail.com goATGI.com

Ouray International Film Festival Because movies and mountains can change your life. Join us in Ouray, Colorado, for an intimate weekend of jury-selected films, panel discussions, parties and mountain views. June 20-23, 2024.

Passes now on sale at ourayfilmfestival.com.

The Ride Collective Join us on Colorado’s Western Slope for two professionally-produced bicycle tours in Tour of the Moon 9/14/24 and Tour de Vineyards 9/21/24. It’s an experience both on and off the bicycle as you enjoy the region’s landscapes, culture, local cuisine and entertainment. theridecollective.com

PJ’S FINE BAMBOO RODS Handcraft your own bamboo fly rod with PJ’s Fine Bamboo Rods in the exclusive fly fishing haven of downtown Pagosa Springs, Colorado. The workshop, located by the scenic San Juan River and close to the luxurious Springs Resort & Spa, offers a unique six-day workshop with a maximum of four participants for personalized guidance from our master rod builders. Suitable for all skill levels, our six-day classes let you craft a custom bamboo fly rod to cherish for a lifetime. Come to build a fly rod, and leave with a rod and memories for a lifetime.

Use Promo Code REGISTERED at checkout to receive a $100 discount on your registration fee. Spaces are limited — your legacy awaits!

970.946.6415 Secure your spot at PJsFineBamboo.com/classes

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

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adventure + experience guide

VISIT RANGELY THIS SUMMER Visit Rangely, Colorado, this summer and immerse yourself in an adventure paradise, affectionately known as “The Tire Sports Getaway of Colorado.” With hundreds of miles of trails on BLM property, Rangely offers the ultimate playground for OHVs, jeeps, four-wheelers, mountain bikes and bicycles. Navigate these expansive trails or challenge yourself at one of Colorado’s designated natural rock-crawling parks. As a thriving college town, home to Colorado Northwestern Community College (CNCC), Rangely enriches its community vibe with vibrant college events, athletics and rodeos.

Explore the scenic White River or the lively Kenney Reservoir, perfect for swimming, kayaking and water skiing. Don’t miss the spectacular Fourth of July fireworks at Kenney, a breathtaking display that draws spectators from all around. Wrap up your day by camping under star-lit skies at one of the local campgrounds, making your stay in Rangely truly unforgettable. discoverrangely.com

a

FUNDRAISER

OCTOBER 5, 2024

THE NATURE CONNECTION

TRAIL MARATHON

for

CRAWFORD TO PAONIA THROUGH THE BEAUTIFUL WEST ELK MOUNTAINS 26.2 MILE RUN OR HIKE

westelkchallenge.com

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WEST ELK CHALLENGE TRAIL MARATHON The West Elk Challenge is a trail marathon during the peak of fall colors. Racers will start on the shores of Crawford Reservoir State Park and travel on gravel roads through the farms and ranches at the base of the iconic Needle Rock. Soon thereafter, the trail enters the Gunnison National Forest and begins climbing the singletrack through golden aspen stands on the slopes of Mt. Lamborn. Runners top the 9,762-foot summit of Inter-Ocean Pass, and descend through spruce, aspen and oak, past Lone Cabin Reservoir to the town of Paonia and end along the North Fork of the Gunnison River. Run, walk and hike your way through the fall foliage of the West Elk Mountains!

This challenge is a fundraiser for the Nature Connection, whose mission is to break down barriers to get kids and families outside. thenatureconnection.net/west-elk-challengetrail-marathon/

adventure + experience guide

Hotel Palomino Located in beautiful Ridgway, Colorado, Hotel Palomino features 12 individually curated westernthemed rooms, each showcasing modern interiors and contemporary comforts. With contactless checkin, you’ll receive a pin code to gain access to your room on your day of arrival. Not a front desk in sight — it’s the wild west of hospitality! @palominohotel hotelpalomino.com 970.765.0536

Western Slope SUP Discover Western Colorado’s iconic sandstone river canyons with Western Slope SUP. Let WSSUP’s expert instructors be your guide on daily or overnight river adventures.

Based in the North Fork Valley, WSSUP offers stand-up paddle river tours, whitewater rafting and rentals. westernslopesup.com 970.872.2352

Palisade Cycle and Plunge Shuttles We are Palisade’s one-stop shop for adventure. We rent cruisers, e-bikes, mountain bikes, inflatable kayaks and paddleboards. You can bike from the shop to the Palisade Rim Trail or cruise the paved Fruit and Wine Byway. We are also the Palisade Plunge Shuttle company and have Palisade Plunge trail maps.

239 S. Main St. 970.464.9266 palisadecycle.com

VAIL RECREATION DISTRICT SUMMER RACE SERIES The Vail Recreation District proudly presents the Dynafit Vail Trail Running Series and the Bloch & Chapleau Mountain Bike Series, taking place in and around Vail.

The Dynafit Vail Trail Running Series features a variety of challenging trail running events on select Saturdays through the fall.

Meanwhile, the Bloch & Chapleau Mountain Bike Series offers races across diverse and technical terrain on Wednesday evenings throughout the summer. Both series offer great prizes, raffles, after-parties and the chance to test your endurance on our beautiful mountain trails!

These races are perfect for participants of all levels looking to promote an active lifestyle, enjoy breathtaking alpine scenery and experience the sense of community these events provide. vailrec.com

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feature

COLORADO NATIONAL MONUMENT

WILDLAND FIREFIGHTING + RESPONSE Words by Kristen Lummis | Photos courtesy of National Park Service

A National Park Service wildland fire engine patrols along a road in Colorado National Monument.

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82

iving in the west, fire is a natural, and largely

the clouds were heavy. Coming around a bend

inevitable, part of summer. While none of us

on top of the Monument, we saw smoke, then

like smoke-filled skies and some of the quickly

wildland fire trucks parked along the road, then

moving conflagrations of recent years have been

firefighters with shovels hiking out to a point

horrifying, fire is a natural process that can be

above the rough canyons below to put out a

beneficial.

lightning strike fire.

So what happens when fire strikes a beloved

We immediately had questions. How do

landscape, say a national park, or closer to home

firefighters know when a fire has ignited? How

— the Colorado National Monument (COLM)?

do they determine a response? How do they

In the late spring of 2023, following an early

decide which fires to fight? And finally, what

evening thunderstorm, my father and I decided

does the public need to know about wildland

to drive across the Monument on Rim Rock Road

firefighting and how to help?

to check out the riotous spring wildflowers. The

Armed with these questions I contacted

rain had stopped, but the roads were damp and

the communications team at COLM and they

answered them, drawing upon the expertise of

are notifications put out by the NWS on hot, dry,

Brant Porter, a National Park Service (NPS) fire

windy days that are known to be ripe for fire.

communication and education specialist in the

Fires that start on these days may require a

NPS Intermountain Regional Office, and Mike

different response than those that begin on rainy

Guarino, the fire management officer for the NPS

or cool days.

Northwest Colorado fire zone, which includes

Rather than reacting to every strike within a

COLM. Guarino is based near Dinosaur National

park or on public lands, wildland fire response

Monument.

focuses on reported fires and smoke. When fire or smoke is identified, often via a 911 call, crews

TRACKING LIGHTNING + FIRES

evaluate the situation. If a fire is found, they take

According to the National Weather Service

action, which includes investigating the cause of

(NWS), Colorado receives over 500,000 lightning

each fire.

strikes per year and these are carefully tracked.

The vast majority of wildfires — an average

However, not every strike becomes a fire. Factors

of 87% per year — are caused by humans near

such as location, the availability of fuel and

roads and communities and in recreation areas,

weather have a big influence on whether or not

according to the NPS.

a fire starts. Think of a red-flag warning: these

Slash piles are ignited following a thinning project at Colorado National Monument. Firefighters regularly burn piles of thinned vegetation during periods of low fire danger to reduce hazardous fuels near developed areas, manage landscapes and achieve ecological benefits.

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

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APPROPRIATE RESPONSE When it comes to wildland fire response, there are two important things to know about the Grand Valley and the COLM. First, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has a robust firefighting presence in our area, and the BLM-Grand Junction Field Office takes the lead on responding to fires on the Monument.

Second, COLM actually sees very few fires.

According to Porter, over the last three years, 12 fires burned a total of 2.1 acres on the Monument.

And all of these fires were caused naturally.

When a fire is reported, the BLM, together with COLM staff including park managers and law enforcement, actively respond. If a fire needs additional resources, NPS firefighters and managers will be deployed from within the park’s fire management zone.

The decision about whether or not to control

You make your own choices.

You’ve always blazed your own trail. We can relate, independence is important to us too. Alpine Bank is honored to serve you.

a fire, and how aggressively to respond, depends upon planning. Detailed firefighting plans are in place for public lands, including those managed by

alpinebank.com Member FDIC

the NPS. These plans specify areas in which fires can safely and beneficially burn, as well as areas of significant value that need to be protected.

In some areas, explains Porter, the appropriate response might be to monitor

GRAND VALLEY TRANSIT

a lightning strike fire, while in others full suppression is necessary to protect cultural and natural resources, buildings and people. And the response can vary within one fire.

“On one side of a fire, we might be aggressively putting line in to move the fire one way, with crews actively working to suppress the fire. On another side of a fire, where the park runs into wilderness, we might take a lighter approach using natural features where fire can be beneficial,” he says.

Reinforcing the importance of planning, Guarino emphasizes that fire conditions can shift as rapidly as the wind, and fire managers need to be prepared to change course when, for example, “conditions make letting it burn too dangerous.” For any fire that extends beyond an initial attack, public lands fire managers utilize the Wildland Fire Decision Support System, which is undergirded by maps, specified trigger

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points, fire behavior analysis, and current and

time,” states Guarino. “Now we’re seeing the

predicted weather.

negative aspects of this. It’s a balancing game

And while fire can be wily and sometimes

that we constantly play as managers. We want

unpredictable, Guarino underlines its importance

to get good fire back on the landscape, but it’s

to a healthy, natural landscape.

becoming harder and harder with a change in

“Fire has been a part of our natural landscape for so long and it’s been suppressed for a long

86

fuels, climate and more people in the urbanrural interface.”

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP

can start a fire. Knowing the weather forecast,

“If you see something, say something,” says

current

Porter. If you see smoke or flames — and it’s not

regulations before you go can help you make

a prescribed burn — call 911 and be prepared to

safe decisions about what activities, if any, are

specifically describe what you are seeing.

appropriate on a given day.

fire

conditions

and

public

land

“It’s a fine line,” he adds. “We want to be

Check the West Slope Fire Info website

good partners with the dispatch folks and not

(westslopefireinfo.com) for fire restriction

flood them with calls. But in Western Colorado,

updates. The website also has fire season health

especially on Red Flag warning days with nasty

tips and the latest fire news for Delta, Gunnison,

high fire conditions, have your radar up and err

Hinsdale, Mesa, Montrose, Ouray and San Miguel

on the side of caution. Early reporting can keep

counties.

fires small.”

Other basic tips for responsible recreation:

Guarino adds that for prescribed burns,

Check in at the trailhead. Let others know where

the Park Service will set up signs along major

you are going. And plan an escape route when

roads, issue press releases so that the media

conditions are such that a fire could begin and

can let the public know, and have information

spread rapidly.

on individual park websites. If you think a burn

“More than anything” Porter adds, “when

might be intentional, check the website before

you live in the western United States, recognize

calling 911.

that fire is part of our environment. Have a

Recreating responsibly is also important.

When fire conditions are high, even something

plan and be prepared to live around it, recreate around it and be respectful.” :

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feature

THE DANGERS OF OVERTRAINING

HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH? Words by Lucie Hanes

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88

n theory, training for peak athletic

therapist and United Endurance Sports Coaching

performance is simple: show up, work hard,

Academy-certified running coach. “Stressing

recover, repeat on a consistent basis and watch

the body and allowing it to adapt to those

the progress accumulate. But in practice, the

stressors is the core of athletic development.”

process is much more nuanced — especially

That’s why athletes push themselves past the

when it comes to steps one and two. There’s

point of comfort in training, so that their bodies

a fine line between working hard enough to

can adapt to that level of challenge and turn

impart productive stress on your body and

it into a new baseline from which the next

working too hard for your body to actually get

level of growth evolves. So goes the cycle of

anything out of the effort.

improvement.

“Stress is a good thing,” says Sarah Strong,

“But too much stress is a problem,” Strong

LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker)

continues. “Imagine your capacity for stress

as a bucket. Every stressor adds to the bucket

that their training doesn’t happen in a vacuum.

and too many stressors will make it overflow.”

Our bodies don’t know the difference between a

When this happens, athletes lose their ability

run and a tough day at the office. Stress is stress.

to recover from their training and adapt to

When athletes learn to purposely design their

the challenge. Stress only accumulates, never

training, adventures and event goals with this in

dissipates.

mind they can begin getting out of injury cycles

Without giving their bodies the chance

and sustain long-term improvement.”

to properly process stress, athletes get the

For instance, a runner might set an arbitrary

exact opposite of the results they’re looking

goal like logging 100-mile weeks out of a genuine

for. Research on the Physiological and

desire to improve … but if that’s not the best

Psychological Effects of Treadmill Overtraining

number for their unique physiology or alongside

Implementation links this imbalanced equation

all the other stressors present in their life, then

between stress in and stress out to a decline

such high mileage doesn’t serve them because

in athletic performance as well as a litany of

they’ll be too injured or exhausted to put their

negative health effects from musculoskeletal

best foot forward (literally). The optimal amount

injuries and cardiac arrhythmias to depression

of training for any athlete is the training they’re

and irritability.

The issue is, that’s an easy equation to mess LINA SIMPSON

up. There’s no one right answer for how every athlete should train in order to appropriately ride the fine line between too much stress to recover from and not enough to stimulate growth. Everyone responds to stress differently.

Some can handle more without losing their ability to adapt while others have a lower threshold.

Neither one is better than the other, though. This is where well-intentioned athletes often sabotage themselves. Growth comes from finding your own sweet spot, not from continuously piling on more and more stress without regard for individuality. “The balance between load and recovery looks different for each athlete,” affirms Genevieve Harrison, professional runner for On and running coach based out of Eagle, Colorado. “The idea that more is better in ultra-running has created a craze for higher mileage, but this is detrimental to athletes in the long-term.”

T.J. David, owner of Microcosm Coaching in Carbondale, Colorado, agrees. “In my coaching practice,” he remarks, “I’ve always leaned on this training principle: the right amount of work is the least amount of work an individual can do while still growing, not the most. This is what an athlete can actually sustain long-term when taking into account the specific context of their lives. What athletes often overlook is the fact

The author on one of her favorite runs.

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

89

COURTESY OF TJ DAVID

hormonal perspective,” says Dobson, which could be seen as a blessing in disguise in the sense that those flares are her body’s way of holding her back from causing herself further damage.

But not all the signs of overtraining are physical. Lina Simpson of Grand Junction, winner of the 2022 Ultrapalooza 50k, feels the effects of overtraining on an emotional level first. “I can really tell when I am overtraining when running starts to feel like a job,” she explains. “When I am waking up and feeling like I don’t want to go run, but also having this feeling like I need to go run, that’s how I know I need to change my approach.” Motivation ebbs and flows for everyone, but a consistent reduction in your desire to do something that usually brings T.J. David, owner of Microcosm Coaching in Carbondale, Colorado

actually capable of completing without getting derailed by an overload of stress.

Staying on the right side of stress requires listening to what your body has to say about the amount of training that you’re doing. It’s not easy to dial things back when it might seem like everyone around you is only ever piling on more, but the decision to do so will set athletes up for more sustainable success. You’ll likely surpass those who charged ahead without heed for stress management in the end anyway.

Before athletes can heed the warning signs of overtraining, though, they need to know what cues to look out for in the first place.

Just like the stress threshold, the specific signs may vary from person to person, but a few key symptoms apply to most people. Harrison has found that her body starts to talk back in the form of abnormal hormonal changes and low iron levels when she pushes past 10-15 hours of training per week or over about 90 minutes of higher intensity work within the week.

Kim Dobson, another Eagle runner who holds seven victories and the course record at the Pikes Peak Ascent, notices an elevated average heart rate over the course of a few days as her most prominent symptom of overtraining.

“I also tend to get flare-ups of overuse injuries that stop me before I am ‘overtrained’ from a

90

you joy should raise a red flag. Low energy availability applies to mental energy too.

Show me an athlete who’s never gone overboard, though, and I’ll show you a liar.

Mistakes happen, especially when someone is passionate about their sport. There’s no better asset for peak athlete performance than true love for what you’re doing. Passion only becomes a problem when it morphs into obsession and drives athletes to ignore the needs of their bodies. Do your longevity as an athlete a favor by tuning into the ways your body tries to communicate with you about your training load and when the alarms tend to sound. Allow for a little trial and error in the process. With time, you’ll settle on a general threshold that can help guide your training habits. But the real change comes down to mindset. Remember that quality

VAIL RECREATION DISTRICT 2024 SUMMER RACING EVENTS

almost always trumps quantity. Quality training can’t occur under excessively stressful circumstances. Hold your “why” close when self-restraint feels uncomfortable.

Rest with purpose so you can train that way, too. :

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feature

EXPLORING THE INTERSECTIONS OF HEALTH, HERITAGE + HARMONY THROUGH FRESH FOODS Words by Chloe Wasserstrom | Photos courtesy of CommonSpirit Health

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92

s vibrant, energetic beings, we as humans

WHAT IS NOURISHMENT?

share a profound connection with the

“Nourishing food is something that makes your

Earth and its life-giving bounty, which fuels

body feel good; your spirit as well,” says Jess

our own growth and vitality. When you think

Church, registered dietitian and director of food

of nourishment, what springs to mind? Is it

security initiatives for CommonSpirit Mountain

the satisfying sustenance of food; perhaps a

Region, a nonprofit hospital chain.

particular dish that fills you with energy? Or is

This relevant definition emphasizes the

it the profound sense of fullness that comes from

beauty in variety. She adds: “What food feels

nurturing others on their paths to fulfillment?

like home?” Note how this answer may fluctuate

Nourishment encompasses not only the physical

depending on the season, not only in our

fuel we consume but also the energetic exchange

planet’s climate but also the chapters in an

that sustains us and those around us.

individual’s life.

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

93

Durango Food Co-op vegetables

the Horticultural and Landscape Architecture

UNLOCKING THE POWER OF FRESH PRODUCE

Department, Jessica Prenni, says society has

Josh Neff is the CEO of CommonSpirit

“this idea and notion in our heads that the more

St. Elizabeth Hospital. Neff is also the hospital’s

diverse your plate is, the healthier you are.” Take

vice president of Rural Health. He actively serves

green vegetables for example — all members

the rural communities residing in Colorado,

of this category have a plethora of vitamins,

Kansas and Utah, ensuring they receive adequate

minerals and gut healthy fiber. But there is much

health care. Neff emphasizes the critical

more intricacy on the inside. Prenni emphasizes

importance of ensuring universal access to

how each plant species has completely different

fresh fruits and vegetables, recognizing the

molecular compositions.

profound benefits embedded in these nutritious

Colorado State University professor in

research,

offerings. He underscores how a healthful diet

our understanding of this intricacy remains

positively impacts every aspect of an individual’s

incomplete. Unlocking the full spectrum of

well-being.

However,

94

despite

ongoing

nutritional and energetic benefits these plants

Neff lives and works in Fort Morgan. He

offer holds promise for optimizing our well-

advocates for his neighbors and the region’s

being on a holistic level.

rural lifestyle. He notes that there is a large

“We have reduced food down to macro

percentage of people in the community whom

and micronutrients,” Prenni says. “We have not

are employed but still live below the poverty

expanded our knowledge and understanding

line. Their limited income deprives them of the

of what is in food. We have the technology to do

nourishment their bodies and those they care

it now.”

for, who depend on them, truly crave.

“A poor diet is a leading cause of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, mental health difficulties and more,” Neff shares. “There are not resources for mental health [in Fort Morgan]. It is a domino effect and then people get in a place they cannot get out of.”

Church emphasizes it is important to avoid

> SCRATCH MADE > BREAKFAST > LUNCH > CATERING

using the term “food desert” in these regions “because of all the things connotated with the word desert,” she explains. “[Food] is naturally [hard to come by]. Often the places that do not have access to healthy produce is due to history of racism and redlining. Deserts often can be abundant and full of life.”

Access to fresh fruits and vegetables is a key component to reducing health issues in communities, Neff explains. This is not so simple, though, because the vast majority of humans do not grow their own food anymore.

Instead, most relay on high-scale agriculture and lots of processed foods. As Prenni says, “History happened. We [people] moved into cities and out of farms.” Now, people work throughout the entire day just to make enough money to purchase the said high-scale agriculture produce and man-made foods.

Prenni explains that the highly accessible foods, the processed ones, are the epitome of the “dark matter of food.” She defines this as the “chemical space that we can’t name and don’t know what [it is made out of].”

This is why all three of these professionals believe in the power of plants. When a plant is photosynthesizing, it is not thinking its goal is to give humans fuel. Each plant produces for itself, but it’s this natural life force that brings us energy.

SAVORING IDENTITY However, a whole food does not truly nourish someone if the produce is not culturally relevant — produce that genuinely connects with their heritage and allows for proper digestion.

Neff recalls a time when he worked at a hospital in South Dakota; there was a large Hmong population there, and many people from the elderly community would come in for care.

Yet, they were not getting better fast enough

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Durango Food Co-op fruits.

Durango Natural Foods Co-op is a La Plata County retail redemption partner for a local produce prescription program. Redemption partners like this offer Colorado produce and they accept SNAP (formerly known as Food Stamps) and Double Up Food Bucks. That’s important because programs like these can be stacked for greater impact — to truly make fresh, beautiful local produce affordable for all.

96

because they were not getting the nutrition

While fresh and culturally relevant food

they needed. The food they were served was

undoubtedly enhances our lives, it’s crucial to

not culturally relevant and therefore did not

acknowledge that what constitutes such foods

effectively nourish them.

varies for each individual. “It is more than

“How do we encourage individuals to consume more of what is already integral to

access to food, it is about eliminating cultural disparities,” Neff emphasizes.

their diets?” Prenni reflects. It’s here that her

Culturally relevant food also encourages

passion for understanding the intricacies of

families to dine together. This improves the

molecular composition becomes apparent.

unit’s psychosocial and behavioral health. It also

With forthcoming research, Prenni is optimistic

promotes a sense of connection to ancestry and

there is a foreseeable future where anyone

belonging in this world.

and everyone can confidently navigate the

“Food brings people together, and when

nutritional intricacies of various produce and

people are together, together is better,” Neff

choose to incorporate authentic foods based on

says. “It puts less pressure on parents when they

the benefits of each species.

know they are able to supply their family with

This would not render modern medicine unneeded. Church discusses her battle with the

[healthful food].”

Every piece of produce brings its own unique complexity to each table. This is what true

concept as “food is medicine.”

“In some ways, I love the way we can

nourishment is: a holistic connection between

incorporate food in health,” Church says. “But I

individuals and culturally relevant, fresh foods

also struggle with this. Medicine is not something

that not only fuel our bodies but also strengthen

to replace food, necessarily. The apple or kale is

our communities and enhance our overall

not going to replace the lifesaving medications

well-being. :

or medical interventions someone needs.”

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events

SUMMER 2024 Compiled by Chloe Wasserstrom | Photos courtesy of Crested Butte Wildflower Festival

JUNE Mike the Headless Chicken Festival Fruita, CO May 31-June 1

Join the annual celebration in downtown Fruita honoring the legendary headless chicken, Mike!

Enjoy food, live music, a 5k run, car show, artisan vendors, field games, food vendors eating contests and more at the Fruita Civic Center Pavilion. miketheheadlesschicken.org

Telluride Balloon Festival Telluride, CO May 31-June 2

Get ready for an unforgettable weekend as vibrant hot air 98

balloons fill the Colorado sky. Don’t forget your camera to capture this breathtaking spectacle that promises to be a truly unique experience. telluride.com

Animas River Days Durango, CO June 1-2

There is no better way to beat the summer heat than on the water. Experience thrilling water activities including stand-up paddling, river surfing, kayaking and more. From races to a funfilled costumed river parade, Durango always makes a splash! animasriverdays.com

Grand Mesa Songwriter Festival Cedaredge, CO June 7-8

Seasoned and aspiring songwriters convene for the opportunity to connect, share and perform with others. Fans and locals assemble to learn the stories behind their favorite lyrics and melodies. Experience intimate acoustic performances in historic downtown Cedaredge. grandmesasongwriterfestival.com

GMAEC Summer Concert Series

Cedaredge, CO June 7-September 6 Every Friday night, dive into an electrifying and free outdoor

concert showcasing a plethora of incredible live performances starting. Grab your lawn chair and pack a picnic for the small town, summer experience. Enjoy a full bar and a food truck to keep the good times rolling. gmaec.org

NightVision Concert Grand Junction, CO June 8

The ultimate Christian concert experience awaits! Featuring headliners Matthew West on Friday and Zach Williams on Saturday, plus plenty of other great entertainment. Join for a familyfriendly festival with outdoor games, bounce houses, food vendors and more. mesacounty.us

Palisade Bluegrass & Roots Festival Palisade, CO June 14-16

For over a decade, Palisade has been rocking with its love for

picking guitars, blazing fiddles and Colorado sunshine. Jam out at the Riverbend Park for three days of top bluegrass acts and familyfriendly river fun! palisademusic.com

Country Jam Colorado Grand Junction, CO June 22-24

The infamous music festival is back! Rock on with Thomas Rhett, Lee Brice, The Bellamy Brothers and others for the weekend. Secure your tickets; camping permits and hotel rooms on their website. countryjam.com

Summer Solstice Celebration Eagle, CO June 22

Embark on a day of wellness with yoga, meditation and rejuvenating sound healing. Pamper yourself with mini treatments from Vail Valley Wellness, visit vendors and try ecstatic dancing under the stars. thevitalitycollective.com

Telluride Yoga Festival Telluride, CO June 27-30

Elevate your mind, body and spirit at this four-day annual extravaganza. There are over 100 offerings including yoga, meditation, music, stand-up paddle board yoga, wellness and wisdom talks, social gatherings and more.

You will be led by world-renowned teachers in the picturesque mountain village. tellurideyogafestival.com

Colorado Lavender Festival Palisade, CO June 28-30

Immerse yourself in the 13th annual Colorado Lavender Festival, a celebration of nature’s healing power. Explore self-guided farm tours, attend educational seminars and discover a plethora of lavender products for purchase. coloradolavender.org

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

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Eagle Flight Days Eagle, CO June 28-29

Get ready for family fun galore!

Celebrate Eagle’s history with a kid zone, interactive games, a splash of color run fun, silent disco, crafts and a themed parade. Feast on festival favorites like delicious fresh popcorn, plus other food vendors and refreshing beverages. eagleoutside.com

JULY Paonia Cherry Days Paonia, CO July 4-6

Step into the vibrant world of Cherry Days — long-standing traditions, class reunions and wholesome entertainment collide for the 78th celebration. Dive into the fascinating history and discover the roots of the beloved celebration. paoniacherrydays.com

Leadville Silver Rush 50 MTB Leadville, CO July 7

Challenge your grit and determination on this intense 50-mile course of the Silver Rush

100

50 MTB, rivaling the renowned Race Across the Sky. With technical climbs, speedy descents among Leadville’s stunning vistas, it’s a trial under 14,000-foot peaks. The event is perfect for qualifying for the LT100 MTB. leadvilleraceseries.com

Cattlemen’s Days Gunnison, CO July 11-13

Each year, this rodeo celebrates the rich history of ranching culture. Dive into a variety of entertainment options including horse shows, concerts, cowboy poetry, barrel races and a carnival.

Get ready for some wild west excitement at Colorado’s oldest rodeo. cattlemensdays.com

Four Corners Gem & Mineral Club Durango, CO July 12-14

Discover treasures from around the world! 60 dealers offer extraordinary rocks, gems, fossils and more. Sign up for classes in lapidary and metalsmith techniques. Kids enjoy gold panning and treasure hunts. durangorocks.org

Crested Butte Wildflower Festival Crested Butte, CO July 12-21

Originally bloomed in 1986, these captivating days are filled with enchanting workshops. Immerse yourself in Colorado’s capital to partake in painting, photography, culinary arts, guided hikes and more. Look forward to celebrating the natural beauty of this land’s natural habitats. crestedbuttewildflowerfestival.org

Colorado Brewer Rendezvous Salida, CO July 13

Experience the camaraderie and tradition at one of the industry’s most anticipated craft beer festivals. With 70 Colorado breweries set against the stunning backdrop of the Collegiate Peaks and the Arkansas River, it’s a celebration not to be missed. coloradobeer.org

Kids Yoga Summer Camp Eagle, CO July 15-19

Give the youth you know the gift to experience yoga and meditation. This space is designed to give children space to move,

decompress, learn how to slow down and be more mindful of their feelings. The tools they will be learning will benefit themselves off their mats throughout their lives. thevitalitycollective.com

Mesa County Fair Mesa, CO July 16-20

Experience the timeless charm of a classic county fair in Mesa! Enjoy thrilling rides like the Ferris wheel, indulge in delicious carnival food, explore vendors and delight in entertaining animal shows. Gather the family for a day filled with unforgettable fun and memories. mesacountyfair.com

Creede Gravity Derby Creede, CO July 20

Gear up for the freestyle soapbox derby down Creede’s Main Street!

Races kick off at 10 a.m. with a double elimination format. There are only three rules: steer, brake and stop — let gravity do the work! creede.com

Eagle County Fair & Rodeo Eagle, CO July 22-27

Step into the Wild West and enjoy thrilling themes such as “Lil’ Buckaroo Night,” “Western Heritage,” “Green Night Mental Health Awareness” and more.

Secure your tickets online. eaglecountyfairandrodeo.com

AUGUST R4R Women’s Fly Fishing Event Minturn, CO August 1

The 5th annual fundraiser creates space for women to enjoy the outdoors while supporting Risers 4 Rett Association. The events are centered around doing what you love to help someone else. risers4rett.org

Boom Days

Leadville, CO August 2-4 Celebrate the old west and mining heritage. Enjoy a parade, burro races, car show, mining skill contests and a street fair with over 100 food and craft booths. Join locals and visitors for three days of fun, food, arts, crafts and family activities! leadvilleboomdays.org

Vail Wine Classic Vail, CO August 8-11

Sip and savor wines from France to the West Coast. There will be over 100 wineries featured at the Grand Tasting. Elevate your adventure and knowledge with wine hikes, lifestyle events and more. vailwineclassic.com

Telluride Jazz Festival Telluride, CO August 9-11

Perch yourself atop the San Juan Mountains and take in timeless tunes. The intimate atmosphere and abundant activities make for an immersive cultural experience. telluridejazz.org

The 7th Annual River on the River Buena Vista, CO August 10-11

River Runners hosts a music festival with The River Arkansas.

Saturday kicks off with evening music, followed by Sunday’s Bloody Mary Session. Enjoy a day full of fantastic folk music, a silent disco and more! whitewater.net

tours, learning about Colorado’s renowned peaches in the most delightful way. palisadecoc.com

Outerbike

Crested Butte, CO August 16-18 Peddle with Western Spirit Cycling in, arguably, this sport’s birth place. Crested Butte is infamous to the committed cyclists, but the mountain’s new bike park expands the terrain for all levels. Take the lift up to explore more challenging trails or experience the fun new additions at the base. Soak up the sun, ride your heart out and repeat. outerbike.com

Thirsty 13 Half Marathon Durango, CO August 24

Every step is closer to the beer of your choice. Run a half marathon from Hesperus Church through Wildcat Canyon, past Lake Nighthorse, and reward yourself at the finish line with over 50 breweries. thirsty13durango.com

JAS Labor Day Aspen Jazz Fest

Aspen, CO August 30-September 1 Experience the renowned JAS Labor Day experience, set against the breathtaking Elk Mountain Range at Snowmass Town Park.

With a main stage, side stage, diverse vendors and exclusive VIP experiences. Let Brandi Carlile, Sting, Tim McGraw and others serenade you. jazzaspensnowmass.org :

56th Annual Palisade Peach Festival Palisade, CO August 16-17

Indulge in the best peaches at this summer fruit festival. Enjoy peachthemed activities and orchard

SPOKE+BLOSSOM

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who we are

CASSIDEE SHULL Words by Lexi Reich | Photos courtesy of Cassidee Shull For Shull, the road to the wine industry winds through diverse terrains, both geographical and professional. Raised against the backdrop of the Front Range, her early years were infused with the spirit of entrepreneurship, nurtured during a stint running a surf shop with her family in Costa Rica. This formative experience ignited a passion for business and community engagement, laying the foundation for a career marked by purposeful pursuits.

After returning to Colorado and completing her education at Fruita Monument High School and Colorado Mesa University (then Mesa State College), the call of the vineyards beckoned.

Despite limited experience in viticulture, her entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to nonprofit work proved to be the perfect blend for CAVE, the state’s premier association for wine producers. At just 23 years old, she embarked on a journey to lead CAVE, driven by a vision to elevate Colorado’s wine industry onto the global stage.

Shull admits no two days are alike as she

W

navigates here

the

mountains

meet

rolling

vineyards, a quiet revolution is taking

ever-changing

landscape

of

flagship

events

like

VinCO

and

Colorado

place in the world of wine. At the heart of this

Mountain Winefest to advocating for legislative

transformation is the Colorado Association

policies that shape the industry’s future, her role

for Viticulture & Enology (CAVE), spearheaded

is as diverse as the terroir she represents.

by its dynamic executive director, Cassidee

But Colorado’s emergence as a wine-

Shull, whose journey from small-town roots to

producing region hasn’t been without its

industry leadership is as inspiring as the wines

challenges.

the nonprofit champions.

insignificance to overcoming climatic hurdles,

“Establishing

a

presence

in

the

wine

industry in Colorado — a region not traditionally

102

the

Colorado’s wine industry. From orchestrating

From

battling

perceptions

of

the journey to recognition has been arduous yet rewarding.

associated with winemaking — certainly

“Despite these challenges, Colorado wines

presents its share of challenges,” Shull says.

offer a unique and compelling proposition

Her goal? To contribute to a vibrant Colorado

compared to those from more established

wine industry that not only delivers exceptional

regions,” Shull says. “One of the most significant

wines but also enriches the community, supports

factors is Colorado’s diverse terroir, which

the economy and preserves natural resources

encompasses a range of microclimates, soil types

for generations to come.

and elevations. This diversity allows for the

cultivation of a wide variety of grape varieties,

the unique terroir of our region,” she says.

resulting in a rich tapestry of wine styles and

“As consumer interest in locally-sourced and

flavors.”

sustainably-produced wines continues to rise,

Through strategic branding and advocacy,

Colorado wineries will have the opportunity

Shull says Colorado wines have carved a niche

to differentiate themselves by highlighting the

for themselves, celebrated for their diversity,

quality, authenticity and distinctiveness of their

terroir-driven flavors and pioneering spirit.

wines.” :

“A highlight of this effort was in 2017 when Colorado Mountain Winefest — CAVE’s largest fundraiser — was nominated by USA Today as one of the top 10 wine festivals in the nation.

To our delight, it ultimately ranked number one, thanks to the overwhelming support from attendees, community partners and dedicated volunteers,” Shull highlights.

Looking ahead, Shull sees a landscape ripe with potential and promise. With an emphasis on collaboration, innovation and sustainability, she believes Colorado’s wine scene is poised for unprecedented growth and recognition.

“I anticipate continued expansion and diversification of Colorado’s wine offerings, with an emphasis on exploring new grape varieties, refining winemaking techniques and showcasing

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