slopetool

Its a long story but I receive Transworld Snowboarding as a gift. It has come to my attention that the Oct. 04 issue has this to offer to its readers. Out of all the photos of snowboarders this is how it is broken down. In the air 58 Riding rails/bonking 28 Just standing in the snow 6 Carving a turn/ripping 3 A few hot chicks too The numbers speak for themselves. I want to thank TWS for promoting this so to keep this talent out of our way on the slopes. Just keep it in the Park and the Pipe. Thanks again, Snowboard Journal

yea, I dropped out of the alpine scene and thought I would probably be back. Thanks to my good buddy, Bryan, I was sucked back in and started riding the fine line again. The whole process took about 4 years. And I am so proud to be back. My highlight was borrowing the Sims Burner 197 for a few runs last season. The Donek FC 179 also was a sick ride. I'm glad we're all in this together.

I would love to see a freecarve acticle concentrated on the soulful riding of the whole mountain. More of a surf-style ripping and keep it free from the racing aspect since its so disciplined. And an acticle on longboard freeriding (on softboots, since hardboots are overkill on a freeride board for me) thats my opinion. - Ed:cool:

Yea, no doubt the best mag out there. I've loved every issue. I can't wait to see the next issue. Of course, I would like to see more on carving, longboarding, and profiles on local riders. Keep up the great work. Thanks Jason and Jon!

yea, thats it! I forgot to mention it was at Mt. Bachelor. Sorry, I haven't bought or didn't borrow a digital camera for the event. I wish I did because I also want the pictures asap. I rode my Tanker 200 with clickers. I made it across no problem on the first run. Then in the finals I went for the crowd pleasing kicker. I didn't make it across. The contest was judged a third for costume. I went as an escaped convict with a long shaggy black wig. I didn't win any prizes though. Theres always next year. Damn, was the water cold and I wore a 2/3 m. wetsuit!

I just got back from the North American Pond Skimming Championships. I was in the finals. just thought I would let you know I was there representing the bombers. Ed

Thomas, those are some great photos. That was awesome that you brought your family and I hope it will get others to bring theirs for upcoming events. The surfing photos on your website are sweet too! Ed

Thanks for those cool pictures of Colorado. Its good to here that some of the Rockys have lots of coverage. Anyone from Utah have a report? I lucked out today at Timberline. Although only the magic mile lift was operating... but there was 6 to 8 inches of heavy snow. Quite the gift for May. visablity was marginal as well. I'll be up there again on Fri. if my boss is not a jerk. ha ha And probably squeeze in a Fri., Sat. or Sun. through June. Bachelor's last day is 5/31, with 60 inches... hope to be there. Thanks all you guys for the updates

I'll be up there tomorrow (Sun). I will be with my wife and the cousin's son.... hope to see you. Could be snowy-----Ed

Hey guys and gals - I was wondering how the local mountain was today. Let me know - I'm just anxious to get up there again. (try not to rub it in too much...) Thanks - Ed

I had a great time too. Since we are often given the stink eye, the fellowship of all of us is pretty cool. Getting us all together is at times, scary to others. It was definitely fun to ride together. How about next year we start the tradition of a Chinese Downhill? Just an idea, probably not safe. Well, its still sounds fun, any takers? ha ha I hope to be seeing you all again soon, Ed oh, I'll be up at T-line on Sun. I'm now going to go slide a rail onto a small patch of snow in some urban enviornments. see ya

NICE BACKSCRATCHER, SKEEZ!

My 04' K2 transformers are pretty damn stiff. And they came with an optional plastic tongue to insert too. And a pair light SST flat clickers are only about $50. oh, did I say clickers? I meant cloggers.

Sounds like lots of fun, Mike. I'll be there. Bryan has shown me the footage that Jim took earlier this week too. Your carving looks great. It looked like the snow wasn't as forgiving too. Hope to see you up there soon.

Its only excessive if you still owe money on "the quiver". If they are all paid off and you still have empty space to fill and see something that looks like fun, just buy it. My days of having just one great all-around board are over. Some boards just need to be retired and replaced. Then its hard to sell them or hand them down to a friendly beginner who could inflict damage on the poor things. Its best to find excuses now to explain to friends and family so when the topic comes up you can avoid any problems. Or hand them an asyemetrical, and go "here, you ride it then" gotta have them toys, especially if you can't pass up a great deal. Ignore the wife and girlfriend - or buy them a few boards too so they will feel special. I've found it best to have about 5 boards, ready and waxed at all times, then take at least 3 with me to the mountain and chose once I get up there. Go back to the truck and switch out between safety breaks. Gotta be safe, fellas!

yea, I bought a subscription and so far I love it. I really need something like it to get my mind off the routine. There is a really cool article about Craig Kelly that is worth the cost and for the collection. Plus the photography is the best. I'm already looking forward to the next issue.

Hey guys and gals, I really appreciated the feedback. Being a ski patroller is cool. And I hope I relay the respect everyone deserves. But lets hear some stories of run ins, conflicts, concerns, and awesome comments. Maybe some of us were naughty before we were "bombers" but I'm not getting that perception. Has anyone taken a swing at a patroller? Not that I would, because that would be stupid. The Ski Patrol are friends of us all. But am I the only one that have been in a pursuit? I doubt it. Lets hear it -

Hey, bro! I have had two diablos, and I still have one leaning up against the wall. Awesome board in its day. I have the exact board you described. It is an asysmetric freeriding board, and does have a slight sidecut difference that is hard to tell at first. You may see that one edge of the topsheet says heelside. The board turns with ease and has that Nitro softness of the mid 90s. Its got a surf style ride. The bindings are great and don't need tools to adjust the sole length. I found the hole pattern gave me no flexibility to adjust my stance, like the 4-hole patterns of present. But for the price, you got a super deal. Write me back if you have any more questions.

yea, hi Mike! We rode together last Spring on Palmer. You know my best riding buddy, Bryan from oldsnowboards.com. yes, my experiences are from Mt. Hood. I have been chased down from riding the snowfields on Palmer outside the boundry. I had two patrollers in pursuit and one intentionally skied in front of me to try to make me crash. That ended up being a verbal warning after I was done for the day. Another time at Meadows, I was scolded for hiking up to the top of Shooting Star before the opening gate was lifted. That was by a younger patroller trying to flex his scawny muscles under his red jacket. The chip was brushed off his shoulder. ha ha My latest incident happened on Fri. afternoon at Ski Bowl. I wanted to get one more sweet powder run in an area that was going to be roped off since it doesn't have lights for night skiing. The patroller was ahead of me and was just starting to proceed. He had just started to dig the ribbon out of the snow and hadn't placed any poles yet or anything. I had a bit of pace to get through the flat part before the steep powder section. He sees me coming and flips out and yells at me to stop, stop, stop! My first reaction is to ignore him but I decide to obey..... which means I have to crash to not get too far below him. And it was not a graceful fall. Well, I let my feelings be heard and yelled, "you, *******!, what did you do that for? I was heading down there for a great run!" And I unclicked and marched up to him ready for an explanation. He was a typical older patroller in his 50's, brown stained teeth, and a moustache (of course). He said there was a snowcat down there and said " you didn't want to run into a snowcat, did you?" And then he got angry and threatend to cut my ticket for calling him an *******. I apologized and told him he was the authority and whatever he says is the rule. But maybe a warning to be aware of the snowcat would have been best. I told him," I was trying to be more mature and was tired of having to outrun you guys. " He said, "outrun?, no one has ever been able to outrun me. Do you want to race?" I told him he would have met his match, as we chuckled together. I softened him up a lot when I told him I was sorry for calling him an *******. I went on my way and rode up the Upper Bowl chair, and found out the snowcat was grooming the racecourse way below the powder section I wanted to hit again. And who I thought was him skiing the section. That dirty rat. I went back ducked his rope, and had a sick run far from where the snowcats were. And sure enough, down below. he was there directing skiiers. I thought that was it for my riding for the day. I approached him, threw up my arms and yelled" well, you busted, me!" smiling. He said with a smerk, "just get out of my sight." Oh, and Mike - Bryan and I are going to be a Meadows tomorrow for a Carvorama. Hope to see you there. Ed

I occasionally hear about or see the Patrol looking out for our best interests, but in fact are going over the top to keep us safe. I treat all Ski Patrol with respect and I am very envious of their opportunities to get the best snow. But some take it to the next level and get very heated up when there is a concern. Sometimes situations are handled with a cat & mouse game in the parking lot. And more than once some ski patrol have not had my safety in mind when there is a chase. Don't they ever watch "Cops"? I would love to hear what you guys have to offer or stories of what run ins you have had. And I would like to end with saying the Ski Patrol is the authority and we need to do whatever they say or they can threaten to clip our lift tickets or passes.

Thank you, Art for the info. I appreciate it lots. I'm also planning to try to make it up there during the early part of March to check out the races. I'll be in touch next month as we get closer to March. Thanks again - Ed

I need some more ideas of affordable lodging in Enumclaw or closer to Crystal, Alpental or Stevens Pass? I know you all are masters at finding cheap places to crash on road trips. I need a hand and would really appreciate the help. I checked out the AAA website and it recommended a Best Western. Any other ideas or places you can pass along? Someday I'm going to get a 4X4 camper van and my prayers will be answered. Thank you!!!

Morrow Escape 176 matt goodwill Rad Air Tanker 200 and 192 K2 Transformer Boa ---- stiff as hell Clicker SST pros Its a solid, no slop system. And the bindings weigh less than a pound. I've put a lot of thought into this and it works great for me.:D Bachelor was sick over the New Years Holiday! wow:p