FTA2R

Did you make it out to 'Tail today? I rode my carving setup for the last hour or so - first time in 3 years and wow, it's so much fan. Met a tall Asian guy with a Madd board - assume that wasn't you?

Troy, I PMd' you - hopefully teh BOL PM system is up now? just curious for a pic of what you have. If the system is still down (anyone?), then I'll write my email out here in the thread

size? As far as I know, Burton Races are just one standard size - there are 8 slots on both heel and toe to adjust.

Would like to return to alpine riding and step-ins will be easier on my back. Have never ridden step-ins before. I'm on the lighter side, don't need anything super heavy duty. Also have 2 pairs of standard Burton Race bindings - will trade. PM me. thanks.

Hi, I decided to sit out all last season (worst winter ever in the Mid-Atlantic to NOT ride!) after undergoing a microdiscectomy (July '13) to relieve sciatica due to a herniated disc (L5-S1). Even though my surgeon cleared me after 3 months, I decided to be cautious and just sit it out (and I think that was the right decision). I'm doing pretty well now, playing ice hockey once a week, though my flexibility (particularly in my legs) leaves much to be desired. I would like to return to riding but admittedly, am quite nervous about falling on my back, particularly my lumbar area. I am definitely more nervous about riding plates simply because of the movements and required flexibility. In fact, I might even go so far as to say that the constant bending over to put my bindings on (I've always put my soft bindings on standing as well) may have been a contributor to the herniated disc. Regardless, I would like to consider riding with some kind of low-profile back protector (I'm primarily concerned with lower back) that is also reasonably priced. Can any of you make any specific recommendations based on personal experience? Also, what are the recommended medium / stiff flex soft boots with a BOA system (perhaps a dual BOA) this year? I need to buy something soon! I would love to get back into plates, but am just a bit nervous about it b/c I'm always a bit (sometimes a lot) hunched over when on teh carving board. I know that some of you have debated how to deal with your back issues. In a nutshell - I am very glad that I had my procedure. The recovery was tough (mentally, for sure) but I am no longer in pain and PT wouldn't have fixed this. I have told myself from day 1 that my success indicator is for me to be back on the slopes. thanks, Barry

seriously, who cares if he doesn't give credit......are you the official alpine ambassador? surely there are more important things to be concerned with.....dude just won a medal, so hatin' on him is the last thing we should be doing. seriously, get a life!

It seems that this story is getting some traction.....have done a number of searches and Vic Wild is coming up quite a bit. Of course, it's not everyday that you and your wife medal, so that aspect helps as well. Just found this one: http://www.mensjournal.com/magazine/an-uphill-battle-for-u-s-olympic-snowboard-racers-20140131 Maybe it'll take something like an American medalling for Russia to get those dumbasses to start contributing some money to our discipline.

http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304899704579389243585521738 We don't have even 1 female going? None of them qualified or the program's totally dead? Sad.

Hi Everyone, Unfortunately an MRI confirmed that I have a herniated disc at L5/S1. It is now causing me some sciatica. Not taking pain meds now, but it's gotten more frequent in the past 6 weeks. Saw 2 specialists (one neurosurgeon and one ortho who specializes in lumbar areas). Both of them think that I'm a good candidate for a microdisectomy and that PT will not do the trick. I've been doing a ton of reading. I'm currently in PT at a back speciliazation place that has some highly trained people. I think this is my last resort before the operating table, unfortunately. Neither dr. was a fan of the epidural and the standard, run-of-the-mill PT places likely aren't going to fix this. The place now does dry needling and some other techniques, and they cured my dad's cervical issue. Has anyone here had the microdiscectomy? I am very curious if you were able to return to snowboarding? I happen to think that carving, in particular, may have re-triggered this sciatica. It just seems to me that all the twisting and turning can be rough. Grnated, my technique isn't the greatest (I"m sure I'm guilty of upper body rotation and can have exagerrated motions), but I'm sorta worried that I may not be able to carve again....maybe I'll just have to be extra careful (hard when you're at speed). All I know is that I have to do something about this b/c I wouldn't even consider riding a skateboard, running, snowboarding , or any other similar activity right now, with the pain and limited range of motion. I've already done chiro, as I was initially misdiagnosed with an SI joint sprain. Not going back there. If you've had this procedure or have an L5 disc hernia, please get in touch with me; very curious to hear how you ride. BTW, I'm a 34 year male, in decent shape (though admittedly, have a weak core, which I will obviously have to work on, regardless of if I go through w/ surgery). thanks, Barry

Absolutely no replies / recommendations? Wow, this forum has changed since I used to frequent it........

Good: will be riding at PC and/or The Canyons (never ridden either) Sat - Mon. Bad: due to equipment issues (and me waiting way way too long to buy new stuff), I'll be renting a complete setup (soft boots, board, bindings). Any recs for: 1 ) Shop to rent out of? Want decent board (doesn't have to be top of line). 2) Trails / specific mountain areas at either of these resorts? Doing mainly intermediate stuff. Bowls and powder would be awesome. 3) Restaurants / bars? 4) Snowmobiling? We may just ride 2 days and going 'bilin 1... 5) Other misc recommendations? ps is this the right thread for this post? Barry

So, I need to buy new(soft) boots ASAP (like by Tuesday at the latest). I've never had a BOA system but K2s seems to be well designed....specifically teh Maysis. Dual Boa (one for inner liner and one for outer boot). If you have experience with any BOA boots (esp. recent models), can you please let me know what you think. I'm a fidgeter, too, so I think BOA allows for that.... thanks, Barry

I went today; also my first day out. Also my "re-introduction" to hardboots (probably the first time in 2 (maybe more) seasons that I did all my runs on plates). I stayed on SnowPark (or whatever it's called) the whole time. Crowds were pretty light, perhaps due to NFL. That new "sliding lift pad" thing took a few times to get used to. Snow definitely got softer toward later afternoon, but nothing slushy. In fact, I'd say that it was "hero" snow for a little while. One female snowboarder asked me "What is that?" I'm really wishing I had done squats!

Update: So I shopped for several hours this past weekend. Bought a nice jacket, still looking for boots. Some thoughts: I must officially be old now b/c I've always worn Burton jackets and they're ALL just too damn baggy for me now- even a size smaller is still baggy. Acertryx - I'm not sure why they're so expensive (and, as previously mentioned, not that functional). I ended up with this: http://marmot.com/products/mantra_jacket_fall_2011 I love the way it fits and although it doesn't have Gore-tex, it should be fine. Boots: tried on Nike Vapens and wasn't blown away. I'm constantly adjusting (usually as a consequence of tying too tight) and am excited about the possibility of getting some BOAs. Looking into it more.

Guys, 2 things: I'm sorely (pun intended) overdue for new softboots, which are painful to wear now. If there is a boot that is particularly good for narrow feet and/or skinny ankles, please let me know. I'm also interested in some of these speed lacing systems (never had a pair with that), but it's not necessary. Looked on burton.com real quick and it seems like the price for boots has gone up quite a bit! Can I get a decent pair for < $250? === Any recs for a hard shell? It seems that this is not a popular solution anymore. I had a Burton Maximus and it was solid, but I lost it. I like the snowboard specific ones b/c they of all the pockets and functionality, but I'm open to new suggestions. Looking to pay < $200. Must be waterproof, but I'm not riding in AK, so just mid-grade is fine. thanks, Barry

All, I'm happy to report that I'm home safe and sound. All in all, it was an awesome trip and I got to see and do a ton of stuff. Final Stats: ~ 2800 miles over 12 days (though my trip was actually 13 days/12 nights), 6 states, 1 speed ticket (from an ******* AZ cop). HIGHLIGHTS: 1. Monument Valley, UT 2. Big Sur, CA (esp. the awesome waterfall at Pfieffer Park) 3. Beatiful CA farm country (this was unexpected) 4. Santa Cruz Boardwalk - so fun! I was like a big kid. Felt like a little of SoCal in NorCal. 5. Very nice inn in Jenner, CA (that came at just the right time, as I was tired of ****ty motels). 6. Seeing old friends (2 people that I hadn't seen in > 12 years) 7. Hiking in Yosemite (Hiking Lambert Dome and meeting some really cool people at the top who offered me all kinds of treats, including beer!; seeing Half Dome) 8. Some really good breakfasts / fresh-squeezed OJ 9. Meeting a BOL member (that I had actually had previous transactions with) 10. Getting only 1 speeding ticket. 11. Not hitting a cow that was around the corner that was impossible to see. 12. Playing in the sand dunes near Florence, OR. First I got a ride on a sand rail then I attempted to not kill myself on a quad. 13. Lots of awesome, pristine beaches along the coast. LOWLIGHTS 1. Speeding ticket. 2. Spending a night in the car (driver's seat) in the Burger King parking lot of Castle Rock, OR (I feel sorry for anyone that lives in this town) b/c it was 3AM and I was too tired to continue driving and every hotel for miles was booked b/c of a big bike race. In the morning, I brushed my teeth behind a dumpster at the gas station across the street. 3. More than a few ****ty motels. The worst one was in Santa Cruz. Musty smell was repulsive. 4. Probably didn't bring enough clothing. I ended up buying some fresh undershirts at Walmart and paying $10 to take a shower at a truckstop (where the bathroom actually wasn't that bad). 5. Mobile hotspot on my new Driod phone didn't work well. 6. Unable to drive > 85 MPH through the Nevada dessert and other very remote areas b/c I was too concerned about a blowout. 7. Getting stuck for 20 minutes in the sand dunes on the quad. Wasting my money and energy digging out of a hole that I ultimately needed another person's help to get out of.

Changed course. HEADED TO PORTLAND NOW. Be there fri evening for at least tonight and tomorrow emsil me if you wanna meet for a beer or host me foe the night!

All, Tomorrow is day 5 and I'm hitting Yosemite. Ive driven 1100 miles, got one ticket, and have been to Arizona, Utah, Nevada, and now Cali. Drove through large part of nevada today...very remote. Was within 20 miles of area 51. Monument valley Utah was amazing. In lee vining for the night, right across mono lake. PLEASE EMAIL ME IF YOU'RE ON THE OREGON OR WA COASTS AND COULD HOST ME FOR A NIGHT. I'm slightly ahead of schedule but tomorrow will be challenging bc I'll be doing more backtracking. Need to average 200 miles/day to make Seattle in a week. Barry / the road warrior

All, After at least a few hours of research and talking with some people, it looks like a blueprint is taking shape. I was going to do the Route 66 thing and would love to say that I drove across the country, but a family member convinced me that time visiting some national parks would be a better idea, and I agree. My plan is to start in either Albuquerqe (or perhaps fly to Durango), hit the Monumment Valley Navajo Park (pics look amazing), then Grand Canyon, then YOSEMITE (I really want to see Half Dome!), then all the way west to the coast and pick up PCH / 101 and drive it straight up to the Seattle, as the scenery is supposed to be stunning. I was originally going to drive the High Road from Santa Fe to Taos (got good reviews), but I just don't know if it's worth it. My question now is should I travel through Death Valley? I do have a bit of a fascination with deserts and isolated areas, but I'll be doing this alone and "am not looking to be Survivorman," LOL....or should I just drive straight from Grand Canyon to Yosemite? So, it looks like I'll be traveling to Oregon and Washington for the first time!

Thanks for the suggestions, all. I likely need to make a decision, soon. Right now, it appears that the most I could take would be 2 weeks (+/-) a few days. PS Dave, I had almost forgotten about the Tierney board transaction! Just seems like so long ago (even though it hasn't been). Will keep you posted. Barry

Hey All, So I'm a federal contractor and unfortunately our customer can no longer afford us. Looks like they are closing down our account (at least for a while). I'm quite overdue for a vacation and have wanted to see this beautiful land of ours- ideally on a big road trip- for some years. I'm beginning to seriously contemplate a road trip. I have a feeling a number of you have done big road trips. Does anyone have any suggestions for themes or destinations? I feel like it would be good for a bit of "soul cleansing," too. DC is a very go-getter, fast past, competitive town...it would be nice to not be on the Internet and not have any concerns for at least a week or so. I'd likely be leaving from the DC area. I've been to most of the east coast and a number of place in Cali. I haven't been to most of the midwest, southwest, deep south, or pac NW. I'd really like to see some famous sites (maybe Mt. Rushmore and Grand Canyon) and parks, or just some great scenery. I don't see myself on the road for more than 10 days and I'd be fine with driving to one coast and flying back home (if I do decide to go coast to coast). Does anyone have any suggestions? I'd likely be going solo. Oh, if you're willing to host me for a night, that would be awesome! I'd be a polite guest. I've been pretty quiet on this site for a few seasons now, but a number of other members that I've ridden with or done transactions with can vouch for me (as well as good ole Uncle Sam!). Barry

Already sold, sorry.

Bump. I'm almost positive it's a large. C'mon folks, I just want to unload this, not looking to make a lot off of it. Taking up valuable closet space. Basically new. Email me through BOL if interested.

Have had this shirt for years now and have worn in about 3 times total. Plus it's too big for me. Got it new from a guy who had some industry connections. I'm in the middle of a major cleanup, so getting ridding of everything I don't use, wear, etc. Make me an offer. Ships from Washington, DC (or local pickup). Buyer pays shipping, paypal accepted. Have done several transactions with BOL members over the years (though not in a while) and all have gone smoothly. Pics: http://www.bomberonline.com/VBulletin/showthread.php?7760-cool-Burton-Hardbooting-T-Shirt I'll also throw in "Bomber Butter" if you want, b/c I haven't used that, either. Email me via BOL, please. Thanks.

Pius, What kind of spam did you receive? That's the first I've ever heard of that. Mark Brown runs the list from a private server. I've never heard of any issue.... I'd love to hit the slopes Sunday if conditions are OK...but with the very mild winter continuing, I'm not counting on it.... Barry