Kirk

I'd wear one!

...the amount variation out there. Thanks for the input. I realize that it's a personal pref. thing, I was just curious to see what others were doing and their rationale. This is my 4th season on these boots and, until this season, have never tried riding unlocked! Was always concerned about compromising performance. Never rode any of my Burton hard boots in walk mode either. Call me a creature of habit. I'm finally experimenting a bit (even started using thermo liners too!)in this area after all these years of riding plates and am kinda likin' it. Seems to help with quad. fatigue (at least for me). Any other thoughts, keep 'em coming! Kirk

I've been going back and forth with riding my 224s in "walk" mode and locked in at "3" (front and back) and still trying to decide which I like better. Rode on Monday for about a half day in "walk" mode and I think I'm starting to favor that. With stiffer race tongues and a booster strap, they're still plenty responsive even in the unlocked position. That little extra fore/aft freedom is kinda nice and I'm finding that my legs aren't burning as bad at the end of the day. I'm sure there have been more than one thread on this subject in the past. Just curious as to what folks out there are doing with their Raichles. Be safe! Kirk

I've done a few of these in the past, but it's been a while. Some new ones to try! Good tips Jack!

1) I really get frustrated with the little switchback turns some of the less advanced skiiers (which make up a big majority on the hill) make right in the middle of a the run. Because the runs are slightly steeper, they do this to control speed - which is ok. But we're talking total tunnel vision here - no looking up or down the hill and forces you to take an extra wide line well in advanced. Then they stop (right in the middle of the run of course) for their break. I find myself constantly yelling out "on your right!" or "on your left!" I've become pretty good at this over the years. 2) Don't even get me started on the morons who run over my topsheet with their skis near the lift. There are plenty of other issues previously mentioned that I also agree with. Bottom line, the mountain is for everyone to enjoy and it seems like more and more are getting out there to do just that. We just need to be more heads up and, here we go, TOLERANT. There, I said it. And believe me, it wasn't easy! Be safe folks! I, like many of you, ride pretty hard and aggressive. But I've learned to be EXTREMELY defensive in my riding (especially w/ the longer boards). I don't consider any of this profound info. but before I start my run I check merging trails and anyone in front of me - I start planning my lines for when I overtake 'em on the hill. When I stop for a break - I go off to the side and make sure I check up (and down) the hill before I take off again. I guess I'm saying all this because of hearing about near misses (we've all had 'em) and even collisions! I don't want to hear about fellow carvers getting taken out for the season (or longer!) because of a collision. Nothin' but love for the hardbood brotherhood....OK, gotta go, getting misty here.

Hey Skully, if you're on BOL now (~1:10 - 1:15), aren't you missing the finals? I thought they were like from 1-4 or something. No matter, I found out that they will be televised on Dec. 27, from 1-2 PM (MST) on KSL (Utah NBC affil.) channel 5. Yeah being unemployed does have some advantages I suppose, especially when the events are FREE. That works out nicely:D

PGS qual. and finals today! :( And I can't be there! That employment thing again. I almost called in sick, but got too much to do before the holidays. I asked the folks at PC yesterday if and when it would be televised and they were not sure when, but that it most likely will be televised. If any of you Utah locals attending get info., pass it on ok? Billy, Skully, I know you guys will be there. I'll just have to be there in spirit I guess. Which means I'll probably be a sub-standard employee today ;)

Rode the 167 Proto (2002 model) a few times. Very nice ride!Holds an edge nicely on the pack and floats the pow quite well too. Tried to work it on and off trail as much as possible and was pretty impressed. Has a relatively tight radius (about 8.9 m I think), so it comes around pretty quick, but more forgiving flex than an SL. My $.02. Kirk

Hey Jeff! Long time, no hear from ya. Still working at the U? Got my USASA card in the mail a couple of weeks ago, so I'm planning on it. Jan 25 (SL/GS) at PC and Feb. 8 (SL/GS) at Brighton. I thought Brighton was an interesting location choice. Wonder where the course will be. Kirk

Got hooked on these decks about 4 years ago. The Swiss know how to do it right! Plenty damp and hold a carve great, yet real snappy edge to edge. I also like my 178 Proton. I've owned/ridden a number of Burtons (still have my alp), but don't see myself investing in any more of those. I've heard so many good things about Coiler and am impressed with Bruce's involvement with his product and the sport. Maybe a Coiler in my future.

Ridden Kelly Canyon several times. In-laws live in Idaho Falls and I occasionally stay up there for a weekend (live in UT). Get some strange looks when I skate up to the lift on my alpine rig. Not a lot of mountain (if it can be called that) to ride, but usually very few people and very cheap. About a half a dozen carves or so from the top of the main lift and you're ready for another ride up! 173 is about as long as I would ride there. I think they open mid-December.

Yeah, I guess I'm a bit of hoser. Loved livin' in BC - But comin from So Cal, it took a while to get used to all the RAIN. After a few months, I learned to love the climate. I think they call it a bini or just plain ol' knit cap. I STILL call 'em a toque, but always seem to imagine mine with a little fuzzy ball at the top - just like Bob and Doug, eh? As far a helmets, I have a Giro (not even sure model name or #) - got it in '98. It's still in pretty good shape (kept it clean, etc.). I've tried others, but the Giros fit me the best and were reasonably priced. I know some that ride with Leedom and really like the fit -a bit more$, but well worth it I hear. I haven't found any Boeris that fit me well. I would have to agree with the earlier post about fit, ventilation, and compatibility w/goggles. Some brands will work with some melons better than others. Most important - WEAR ONE! Be safe Kirk

Hey Geoff, I wonder how many out there (that live outside of Canada) know what a toque is. I lived in BC (mostly Vancouver, and some time in Langley) for a couple of years and picked up on a lot of these terms quickly. I miss it - gotta get back up there for a visit! Say, isn't that one of the things Bob and Doug wanted for Christmas - "Five Golden Toques!" The first, of course, was a "Beer in a Tree". Positively the best version of the 12 days of Christmas I've ever heard Peace Kirk

And I was about to start feeling sick so I could leave work a little early today! We'll have to hook up this season Billy! Kirk

Looks great Fin! I can only imagine the time and energy invested in this project. A very sincere THANK YOU! Kirk