Algunderfoot

Morning ShawnDoggy, I'll take these for $75, if your previous posts have passed on them. Just let me know. Thanks, Al

I was amazed to be confronted by a Jacket bearing patroller on Saturday, at my local, and carver friendly hill. (Indianhead, MI) He said that he had recieved complaints from a couple of "people" (whom I can assume were novices at best) and that I could not make big carves on the mountain. I said "excuse me? I am pretty sure that I can use as much of any run as I wish too." and of all people here I am very cognisant of others on any given run. To which hastily replied "No you can't!" I asked whether this was written down or if he makes it up as he goes. I continued with "I know seven codes of responsibility that are being flagrantly disregarded on this hill today, perhaps you should focus your attention on that, to which he responded that "We've had words, if I have to speak with you again that will be that", and he skied away. In noticing his sking ability, actually lack there of, I grew increasingly agitated. So much so that I decided to file a formal complaint with the resort management and the patrol manager (a paid employee) Fortunately they were both very apolagetic and accomadating. Going on to explain that they have had thier share of problems with patrollers this year. Many of which are for these very code violations, often committed by the pratroller themselves. Others for over extending the freebie privilages, to not doing much patrolling at all. Having been hit from behind, by a off duty patroller a year ago, at Alpine Medows, I wonder if this is a serious problem. Perhaps a letter (email) campaign to the NSP is in order, to refresh the memory of their constituents and stand up for our rights, and our safety. Any other encounters worth mentioning? Al

Hello Geoff, It is looking like the brewing gods are aligning to allow me to get a day in week after next. Most likely Tuesday 3/4, as I need to move on to NY later in the week. This a buisness trip after all :D Al

Rik, This could vary considerably, based on your choices in lodging, airfare, rental car or no car, and quantities / qualities of imbibment..... But here is my example which was reasonable for Aspen: Airfare: Comped - Frequent Flyer points Lodging for 2 - $110 / Night Rental car - $ 205 / week + 57.00 in taxes & fees Gas - $ 35.00 Session - $ 545 Food / Booze - $ 30-60 / day (90 / day for Taka Sushi :)) Airport parking @ home - $ 11.00 / day It worked out to about $3500 for 2 sharing the bills.. Al

Without a doubt the best concievable conglomeration of hardbooters and carving comradorie available in North America. With some of the worlds best riders, mentors, manufacturers, characters, and the rest of us who find this experience worthy of annual participation. We were already looking forward to 2009 while on the plane home in 2008. Al

Brad, I also have both a WCR 186, and a new WCR 187 metal, and while the metal didn't jump right up and replace the original WCR as my favorite. I realized after a few days of riding, that my riding style was under utilizing the Metal's prowess. Once I pushed it, and myself, it quickly took me to a whole new level. It holds, it's smooth, it's fast and will respond to the more aggressive rider. I have not put the old WCR on since. You will not be dissappointed with the metal, provided you spend some quality time together. Al

Hey Brian, So sorry to hear about the carnage, Fe and I hope you heal fast and well. If it is any consolation, it was a pleasure to watch you ride, and it certainly appeared that you were having a great time. We will look forward to seeing you back here next year! :o <O:p Al & Fe<O:p <O:p

Red River, If your up midweek, all options (except Boreal) are yours, Rose is good for a day, but it would be the best time to check the "Premier" resorts too. Northstar, Alpine Meadows, and Squaw are all great when they are empty. If you hit Pow, take your powder board to Sugarbowl. If you run in to high winds, checkout Homewood, as the other resorts will have lifts on hold. Have Fun! Al

Hi Allee, No worries, I should have some, and I will be happy to throw some in my bag, just track me down tomorrow, or whenever you arrive. Felicia will be holding down a barstool all day every day, so I can leave them with her. I will send you a direct email with my cell so you can find me.. Cool? Al

Hello Bola, Just to fill in some details, this goggle came with two lenses as Zeal had detailed in the liner notes. It was a sealed package. I had no issue with the lenses themselves (at first), one mirror / smoke, one amber, it was the frame and the combersome means of changing out the lenses. Once out, niether would ever go back in correctly. I even had a shop (Zeal rep) in Tahoe look at them. Needless to say this also reaked havoc on the lenses themselves, and left a less than breeze free frame. I did end up with a very durable goggle case though..... You mention a re-design, so I assume these early issues have been addressed. The problem, as you well know, is any customer once bitten, is twice shy. I urge all vendors to be very sure of their quality before releasing products, and most of all, if there are problems or short comings, take the high road and replace, repair, or re-imburse the product. See you Saturday?? Al

"All of the goggles are polarized and the best one lens goggle I've used." Enjoy. Larry Castruita Affinity code number #LC1231R www.habervision.com Larry and Forumites, I would concur, as I stated in the "googles" thread. Al

Yup, BTS system is all that and then some, cheap at twice the price. Blue / blue out of the box never looked back, ride both off piste pow on a swallowtail, WCR and WCR metal, all good. Don't forget about the TD2's, Both products are undoubtably the best on the market. Thanks Fin! Al

Hey Chubz, That would be about right, I drove over and up from San Lois Obisbo a few weeks ago. It is a nice drive though :D, and double lane highway most all the way. But given the choice between Big Bear and June, it's worth it. I would try to get through LA before noon Friday. Al

Hey Chubz, I make the CA buisness / pleasure trip every January...which resort is the one your staying at? If it is Palm Springs, I would suggest that you fly in to Palm Springs and out of Las Vegas, then make the hump up to Mammoth with a one way rental. But don't ride there unless it's a weekday. Go to June Mountain instead. Great grooming, dedicated glades, very Carver friendly, and $30 in your pocket. If it's San Fran, North Lake Tahoe has lots to offer, but Kirkwood is my favorite, and is tolorable on the weekends. Sierra at Tahoe isn't bad either, for a two day. If you head to North lake, there are plenty of lodging options in Truckee, Tahoe City, King's Beach, or Crystal Bay. Weekend riding is best at Mt. Rose, Sugar Bowl, Homewood, but Alpine and Squaw and Northstar are busy, conjested and offer loads of cross traffic and gapers. There are plenty of CA BOL members out there, all I have met are very accomadating. Definately a good time! Have Fun, Al

I marvel at the current level connectivity our forum enjoys! Ride on! Al

Well Fin, I would agree with Tom and Mr. T that it was the Vikings that most likely introduced the practice to North America. That would make them Pro's (as in proficient) Every Viking I ever met was qualified, some better than others. :D. However, they learned all about alcohol from the Brae, Galic bands from what is now Ireland and Scotland. Of course these peoples didn't care much for taking over the world, they had cocktails, Kilts too! As history writes it, the Romans brought distillation technology to Europe, but there are the remains of a brewery in Skara Brae dating back to 3000 BC. The earliest record of beer comes from Syria, circa 4000 BC. "Ebla" Beer was advertised in stone tablets as "The beer with the heart of the lion". Fermented beverage residue has been found in Ecuador and Chile dating back to 6000 BC, suggesting the the practice is as old as Civilization itself. My friend Dr. Charlie Bamforth (UC Davis Chair) goes on to suggest that nomatic people didn't settle down to grow food, that could be done by foraging alone, they in fact settled down to grow grain for brewing, lots of brewing. Man no longer needed to wander, conversation flourished, organization developed, bars, markets, town halls, and churches etc. This theory is supported by many Bio-Anthropoligists. This means that while cocktailing demonstrates the evolution of the sport, alcohol is solely responsible for civilization as we know it. I certainly do look forward to some advancement of civilization next week ! Al

I bought a pair of HaberVision Polarized this season and I am quite pleased as the work well in all light conditions. The polarization does through some freaky colors off of painted surfaces, but as long as you stay off the halucinagens you should be fine. They are around $65. Sorry Bola, unless Zeal redesigned / upgraded their line since '2005, the last pair I had, with interchangable lenses, were crap, neither the farme of the lenses lasted the season. I purchased them from an E-Outlet, so they may have been seconds, but they were not marketed that way. I would think it foolish to have any of that show up on the market anyway. Al

I found this shot on a HaberVision email today......I would be surprised if it was a stock photo....Look familiar?<HR SIZE=1> HaberVision Polarization – Goggle Tip #7 Avoid the cold startup. When traveling to the ski area it is important to keep our goggle in a warm place. If you drive to the area with your goggle in the back of your truck or in a box on your roof rack, your goggle will be extremely cold on both the inside and outside lens surface. You face will be 98.6 degrees and you goggle lens will be zero or colder. Put our goggle on and you get instant fogging. Not a good way to start the day. Al

FYI, Ya all, In Wisconsin "Cocktailing" is a sport, not just a verb. Like all sports it requires practice - training perhaps, good judgement, and is certainly not without risk. And like all sports, I once thought I was pertty good until I met a pro (as in proficient) practitioner by the name of "Dr. Cocktail". Needless to say I was forever humbled. Al I'm not an alcoholic....they go to meetings.

The Big 4-0, Not to worry Stan, there is plenty of life left, although the dues get more expensive. Happy Birthday! Al

Hey James, LC, This stint is just a business trip and the upcoming weekend is the last. As far as the Powder goes, Both my Girlfriend and I have Powsticks along so we're set. This weekend it's looking like Sugar on Saturday (client along) and Rose on Sunday. It would be cool to make some turns with you all! Al

Hi Michelle, Good things happen to good people, I am glad you are back on a board. As for the degenerate thieves out there, they will get thier due too. Knowing my Priors, they would buck right up and put the hurt on any illegitimate rider. Hopefully with the masses of BOL members on watch, your quiver will turn up soon! See you in Aspen, Al

By my count there were at least two of you, possibly three, one was a Gal I think, or a truely graceful dude. In any case, I tried to catch up at the lift line but was never able to do so, I did have a two planker in tow. I was the "other guy", closing your turns. Just wanted to say nice lines! Rose turned out to be a half decent day after the initial dust on crust warm up run..... My girl is coming out to join me this weekend, and we may stop back. Maybe we can catch up with ya all then. Al