bumpyride

https://www.cnn.com/2023/11/25/weather/snowfall-temperatures-climate-change-water/index.html

I resemble that remark! I'm in the Pacific Northwest, Montana, and Minnesota, and it's here already and going to get far worse even at these areas so high above sea level. I just spent 16 days in Tacoma pretty much staying inside from the AQI being in the Hazardous range for much of that time. 2 hour single track bike rides out of the question coupled with new record days above 90 degrees. My friend in Hill Country in Florida says they're seeing an influx of people moving from the Coastal Areas and Country Life is becoming Strip Mall Life. I can't imagine what it's going to be like for 190 Million to 1 Billion people who are in danger from rising Sea Levels. On a side note 2023 Prius Prime Vehicles will have an 60+ MPG of pure Battery Range and the Prius All Wheel Drive is already at 50 MPG with Gas. Do what you can!

Hey Neil, First, sorry to hear you have to have a new hip. Second, I had a Mako Knee Replacement 11 or 12 years ago, and it has been pretty great, with a very short recovery time and great range of motion. It has not slowed me down down the Moguls and hard riding on the Mountain Bike. Anyway, I thought I'd pass this along to you. I'm pretty sold on the whole Mako Procedure. You may have heard about it, or maybe not. Only Docs that have access to the Mako will tell you about it. Anyway look if you want, and best wishes. https://www.grossmontortho.com/knee/mako-robotic-assisted-knee-and-hip-surgery/

Hopefully both of you, John and Neil, will be on the mend soon. Gave up biking Downhill at Big Sky. Failure is painful with long falls and hard rocks. There were a few close calls when off trail meant 50' fall onto talus. Snow is much softer.

https://snowbrains.com/the-science-that-explains-why-skiing-is-so-enjoyable/?fbclid=IwAR1Xl1XK0uaGWIJW3VWRt_Pm_VGPCkchySQZFigi3eUII2CzKaYy5aURPY4

I don't understand business. It's expand at all costs. Why can't they simply improve their products, treat their employees well, and mind what's happening in the world? This guy was a total ass, as I bitch on my Chinese made computer. He probably does not want to go to a re-education camp. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2022/jan/19/protesting-winter-olympics-athletes-face-certain-punishment-suggests-beijing-official

Plastic clip slips into release and then 2 clips for adjustment. 5/8" Webbing about 7' from REI or your local climbing store. Plastic carabiners from REI, Eddie Bauer etc. because the Double Carabiners are much easier to hold in the palm of you hand and they don't transmit cold.

As I've said before, it's (at least for me) important that you should be able to release your bindings at any time when you're in danger. I run Intecs with webbing attached to the release. The webbing then runs up the inside of my pants leg, inside my jacket and into my mitts ending in a synthetic double carabiner. To release all I have to do is extend my arm which activates the Intec release. The plus to this is I can step out anytime without bending over, and coming into the lift line, there's no awkward moments trying to balance while sliding in. I'll take a picture and include it shortly.

Been using older F2 Challenge Comp. Very flexy, been supporting my 135lbs on Bumps and Powder Boards for 29+ years. Perfect for off piste. My son who is sporting 195 lbs. used them as well. Just enough for that Surfy feeling.

Been riding the Nitro Squash for the last 5 years (no boarding last year), and it is a remarkable powder board. Tight turning, exceptional float, and stiff enough for softer groom days. (It sucks on hard choppy days for my massive 135 lbs, although my son at 185 has no problem). Both of us are riding a 153, which explains why he has no problem on harder days. Can't say enough about this board off piste in the trees, steeps, and bumps. It's still in the Nitro line-up and they've expanded the sizes this year.

Finally got a little bit of snow. 7" up top of Powder Bowl. Just stayed to Upper Morning Star. Was pretty OK for 1st two runs. Bowl was a MadHaus. Mr Kamakazie was fun. Good coverage and not so busy if you timed the horde right. Still just 2 runs + the Bowl and Upper Morning Star. Still have to watch your back.

All 4 parking lots were full. A cluster especially in the AM. Only 2 runs open, Silver Knife and Mr. K-amakazie. As usual it was a bit crazy. There is no carving, and the only safe line is right along the edges, maybe 15' wide. Coverage was not horrible, but just barely above mediocre. The new Swifty lift is really nice. 7 Heated Bubble minutes to the top. Being careful as always, a fleece balaclava holds a KN95 mask with the ear loops cut off, and it holds in place when you're around the masses, and can put under your mouth when no one is around. No mask mandates and full loads on the lifts. When Covid hits here in the Winter, it will be interesting.

Big Sky has now implemented a daily charge of $50 + or - depending on the day for access to the Tram. You have to buy a Gold Season Pass for unlimited Tram Access. What's more disturbing is that (from my understanding) Resort Workers will NOT HAVE ACCESSA to the Tram unless they pay extra. What Liftie can afford that. That's all part of why you work at the resort. Blame it on the IKON and MOUNTAIN COLLECTIVE passes. 2 hours waits for the Tram on busy days, and way to long on slow days. I opted out this year. Getting a 6 day pass, no Saturdays, in exchange for a going to town day.

I hope that doesn't mean what I think it does.