Miguel

Dude...that was some sweet riding.....a joy to watch. (I actually forced myself to sign in just to say that....so you know I'm serious. :) )

Where do you buy three strap bindings and who makes them. I had a pair of Burton three straps years ago and loved them. I've been looking for a three strap with no luck. I'd love a pair for my powder board. Miguel

I've made major breakthroughs regarding carving steeper runs and the key for me was indeed whipping those turns so that you actually wind up carving uphill. My key was in inclinate more than I thought need be and having the balls to stay with it until it comes around. Tight turns are key as long as your legs are up to it. It creates some serious Gs....need to ride real relaxed. Regarding the heel turn...I make a conscious effort to lead with the hip by moving it to the front of the board. It moves the weight forward and creates inclination at the same time. Upper body must stay parallel to the slope. Imagine holding a tray of drinks and closing a door with your hips....that's the motion. It is such a thrill when you master this. It's a whole new level of carving pleasure. My hands never touched the snow before progressing to this point and now they do all the time. It's so freaking sweet. Stick with it!!

Yeah...I often ride with the knob turned turned to the side but with the other thingy in the walk mode. It allows you to flex all the way down but only to the third position coming back up. That seems to work best for me. But frankly I don't really notice all that much difference even when it's on full walk mode. I may take out my Coiler AM tomorrow and will probably have it locked and loaded for that. I'll be experimenting. Can't believe it....over twenty years and still experimenting with my freaking boots...is that unreal or what? What do they say...it's the journey...not the destination. Yeah....that's it!;)

That's a good question. I really don't know if there's a significant difference between the 224s and the 123s. Anyone know? When I started riding hardboots I had an old pair of Raichles with the golf ball dimples...white with some other day gloish accent colors. I think they were three strappers with maybe a power strap..not sure of the model nember or age. I bought them used...shoulda kept tnem. That was meny years ago. Basically I was looking for something lighter and easier to walk around in. BTW..I'm putting my softies on my Prior powder board....like we get a lot of that in upstate NY.

Thanks for the suggestions....one more question. Do they all accept the Intec heel? I use older Bomber stepins.

Last year I basically took a hiatus from the hardboot world and rode (about to perform sacrilege) softies. Basically my reasoning was that I found the alpine setup limiting my non groomed riding potential. I like going in the occasional bumps, trees etc. I know some seem to be able to do it all on their carving boards but I just found it too much work. Well...as you might expect...carving was in my soul and the softies just weren't getting it done. Reenter the Donek Incline. Just yesterday I busted out my step ins, hardboots and my old Donek Incline which has both ends rounded. I think I've found my marriage made in heaven. I was able to go anywhere on the mountain while still being able to lay down very sweet carves. I experimented with riding in walk mode which I found very relaxing. I believe combining hard boots with that boards really bridges the gap between the two riding worlds. In fact the Incline is very similar to the Axess on Doneks stiffness index. In any event it's good to be back. I also have a Coiler AM and Donek FC which I'll save for special days. I do have a question. Which hardboots are the absolute softest/flexy? (reasonably past and present) I currently use Raichle 224s. Any other Incline riders out there and do you agree? Miguel

I ride at Greek. I've been riding about twenty years....mostly on Alpine. Have Donek FC, a Donek Incline and a Coiler All Mountain. Oddly enough after a year layoff from alpine riding (switched to softies) I'm back to hard booting, mostly on the Incline due to it's great versatility. I just retired so I can go anytime. Don't let the "retired" thing fool you....I can still get er' done. Mike Supple, Elmira NY msupple@gmail.com

Sorry if this is old news but this is an awesome video. Are those Skwals that some of the people are riding? Miguel

I've used my wife's hairdryer to remove a few. It takes a while and leaves residue from the old pad. I've never tried to remove the residue...I was simply applying a different style pad. Just work from one end and keep prying with steady pressure. It'll come off. Miguel

Sweet...I'm used to riding at night back in NY State. Bring it on! Night riding can be very cool...there's a certain serenity to it.

I just went to the site and discovered that Snow Summit and Bear are covered by the same season pass....sweet! A mid week pass is $299. Miguel

I was about to buy a season pass at Bear....seems like that would have been a mistake. I'll check out Snow Summit....look forward to making some turns with you guys. I'll be back in touch when we get some snow. I brought four boards with me and hope to use them all. I can't wait to take advantage of my retirement status and lay down some mid-week turns. Speaking of retirement....I highly endorse it. Miguel

I'll be spending the winter in Temecula, CA...between SanDiego and LA. Can anyone recommend the best carving mountain within a 2-3 hour drive. The only one I'm even remotely familiar with is Bear Mountain. I know about the big resorts and will travel there occassionally but am loking for something more "local". BTW....I just retired and will be hitting it up during the week. Thanks, Miguel

That's funny! I've often felt the same. It's amazing the amount of contradictory information I've read on this forum. That's not to say the info is incorrect but it sure can be confusing at times. More than one way to skin the proverbial cat, I suppose. I'd have to say the most straight forward and useful information I've read about carving has been over on Scott Firestone's site, The Carver's Almanac. You only get one opinion over there! http://www.alpinecarving.com/