jp1

Must be at least 8 of them things in the ( Blue Mtn/ Pa) area. Can't wait to hook up with some of you guys, I need all the help I can get ! We'll have to get together and have a BMES, 'IF' the temps. ever get cold enough to blow! jp1

Ben, been there and yea it's an UGLY feeling knowing that someone had their way with everything you have. Knowing that they have already seen the place, maybe they'll decide to come back and get something they 'missed' ? Just the feeling of being 'violated', Nothing is SAFE. Theft is one thing I have absolutely ZERO tolerance for. Unfortunately it seems like it is acceptable in our society!? I'd bet even the cops that responded didn't even 'act' as if they cared. Thing is, even if they did care and are fortunate enough to catch them, some judge will let them go with a 'slap on the wrist'. Something is really wrong here, and be glad your dog didn't bite them or they will be suing you !! I pretty much share your beliefs on how to deal with this problem, one thing, their would NOT be any repeat offenders! For your sake, hopefully they will be caught, it IS possible. Of course then the Judicial System will try to make you look like you were the one in the wrong. GOOD LUCK

WOW ! John, THANKS for the post !! I was on my way out the door to leave for Mass and figured I'd check my e-mail and then here. You probably saved me at least 10 hours driving !! I'm just glad it is cold enough somewhere for it 'too' snow!! Hopefully I'll be able to make it next week.

Chubz , Hopscotch , JBS I know this is 'last minute', but I'll throw out the invitation anyway. I plan on driving up to Pittsfield Mass, today for John Gilmore's "Get Dialed In" Alpine Snowboard Clinic (being held 7 PM this evening at Bousquet Ski Area/ See "Get Dialed In" Post on page one (1) for more information). It's about a 4 hour drive from Phillipsburg ,NJ. I will return tonight after the Clinic. I don't know if any are interested, or could make it on such short notice, but I'm driving up anyway, so if you ARE interested you are welcome to ride along. You could meet at my house, I'm right off of Rt 22 East, about 1/4 mile from the Phillipsburg Mall. I'll probably leave between 1 and 2 PM unless I hear from someone. I can be reached by e-mail (jp-1@fast.net) or preferably because of the timing, by phone @ (908) 454-4844. jp1 / John

Is this happening this Saturday ( 8th ) ?

YES, count me in, if it is Saturday evening. I got directions to Pittsfield, but Mapquest didn't recognize Bousquet Ski Area. What is the best way comming from the south, up 87 to 90 then ?? Is the Ski Area south of Pittsfield? Any snow ? Thanks ------jp1

fishrising' I don't know anything about computers but the answer is simple. You said you 'can't' go over $300., and #2,#3,and #4 are all over $300., so that only leaves #1 ! Did I pass the test?

Crave2Carve, A-Basin / Breck / Keystone $229, that's Sick! Hope you guys out there are taking advantage of those prices, thats like 3 days @ Special K. The local mole hill cost me $120 more than that, ands at the rate we're going, I may NOT even get a chance to use it! We (on the ice coast) don't really need to hear about deals like that!

If the seminar is this Sat. evening (1-7-05) I will do my 'best' to make it (barring any problems at work) !! jp1

fokket, I wouldn't worry about learning softboot snowboarding if you are 'only' interested in hardbooting. Honestly, I had a lot harder time making the transition from soft boots to hard boots than anticipated. I personally think Alpine is more like skiing than softbooting. I struggled until I started to realize a lot of the 'mechanics' were more what I learned from ski instruction, and applied them.(Ex. when learning softies always concentrated on "heel / toe" to turn, that don't do anything when you have your bindings set around 60*) Had to think more about angulation to initiate a turn. Unfortunately their don't seem to be any instructional videos available for Alpine, and depending on your location finding an instructor, or people to ride with and pick up some pointers may be next to impossible (especially as a beginner). Fortunately their are a lot of 'Great' People on this board and others that are more than willing to promote the sport as much as possible, and will go out of their way to help you and others! Definately take a lesson. Also, be warned, you may not ever want to go back to your sticks! JMO / jp

Chubz, I had the same thought in mind. I got to the point last season where I was riding, but just felt like I needed help. I want to get out and get comfortable again (get back to where I was) then hook up with him (or someone@Straton) to get over the hump, and know what to work on to get to the next level. I think just talking to him , while actually 'on the snow' when everything is fresh in my head may be valuable. I've got a feeling, from what I've heard, if we met him, and rode with him a few runs, got some input from him & applied that a few days, then take a lesson, would be the ideal scenario. Cool with the video, yea know about the Grandkids, already have 2, and they think I'm a little crazy(my son thinks 'everything' is dangerous) his loss. jp

neil sunday, If you mean Marion Dziak, the instructor, yes he is suppose to be at Blue again this season. From what I have been told, on weekends. Looking forward to finding him for a 'Alpine Lesson' from what I have been told he's 'QUITE' knowlegeable! jp

JBS, I was visiting my son in Michigan for a week (enjoying the Utah Powder they got). My pass isn't good for the Holiday week, so IF their is anything left, I'll be there for first tracks Monday morning/ bottm lodge.

Chubz, if the weather ever decides to co-operate, I try to be at Blue every morning possible for fresh groomies. Haven't been yet this season, and what they do have will probably get destroyed in the next couple of days if it rains. Unfortunately, you won't learn anything from me, since I'm new to Alpine also, but I have been told their is a really good 'Alpine Instructor' there (Marian Dziak) at special request.. E-mail me if you are going to Blue.

My Vote: Danbury = 135 mi. / 2:30 , Lakeville = 170 mi. / 3:15 , would be the 2 closest for me. But being I work 2nd shift it would have to be on a weekend (Sat.1-8-05, would work) for me to attend.

Armon, if you've been praying for snow, it looks like it worked !! Would you be interested in "Praying for Snow", for the East Coast now ? Thanks in Advance, We NEED it BAD----------jp

No, but 'common sense' should !

Barry, for what it is worth (I'm a newb ), I had the same experience. My major problem was stance width ( center to center on the bindings ). I had the bindings too far apart. I had set the plates up the same width as my soft board set up, and experienced the same thing. Moved them in closer together, what a difference.

John, if you do tape the seminar, I'd be interested in a copy of the tape also ! I work 2nd shift, and won't be able to make it on a weekday. jp1

Have to agree, Boeri is what I found for myself, and I had to compress it as Bob said, at pressure points or I'll have an instant headache as you mentioned.

John, Ok, sign me up for the first copy! Seriously, it wouldn't have to be a 'high budget' video ( Get Dialed In ) wasn't ,and it helped me immensly when starting to soft boot. Even if it were done on the same basic format as GDI, I'm sure it would help many, like myself when struggling with the basics. I wish I was closer to you and or any Alpine area. Fortunately for me I ran up to Vt. (Starting Gate) to figure out my boot size. Met a few 'local' riders (Cliff & Mark) while looking around, talked to them, ( they told me,"just buy the stuff and meet us at the Lodge in the morning) and ended up leaving $800.00 later. They were surprised when they seen the familiar board in the morning, then came in and seen me. I told them,"I'm going to hold you to your promise of lessons", so we suited up and 'hit' the slopes. They gave me some pointers (after I figured out the conventional "heel / toe" thing that I was used to was NOT going to work if I wanted to 'stay on the trail, and stay ALIVE' !! ) They really helped me a lot, it's amazing what you can learn just by observation and some positive inspiration! 1/2 day was a "ALL" I could remain standing (because of the stance I was in ) but I learned a lot from it. Not being satisfied with my experience (thought I was going to pick it up immediately !) I stopped at the SG with a ton of questions. That's when I met Curt. Told him what I had experienced, he wanted to see my set-up. Brought it in, went over everything and tried to absorb as much as possible. I had to turn down an offer to ride with Curt, as I had to be to work in the morning (which I now regret not calling in 'sick'). Rode locally as often as possible, but really feel like I'm 'grasping'. I know I just need 'that one little tip' to get me to the next level, I just don't know what it is ! I guess what this RANT is really about, is that I am THANKFUL, that I had the oppertunity to meet, Cliff and Mark and Curt or I'd probably have given up on Alpine Riding. Their is NO doubt in my mind there is a market for an Instructional Video about Alpine Snowboarding, I doubt anyone would become a millionare by producing it, but hopefully would sell enough of them to meet costs?? Maybe not, you guys have certainly been around longer than I, and know the market better. I'm still in for the 'first copy' though, I need it the most ! jp-1

ncermak, sorry I don't have the video here to see who made it ( I lent it out ). I think I got it off of the web though, look up "Get Dialed In". And yes, it is 'NOT' an Alpine video (sorry if I mislead anyone), it's an older video and takes you from beginner to intermediate, and it is Great. When (if) I get it back I'll post who made it, if you still need the info. jp

John, my heart jumped when I seen, "Get Dialed In" ! That is the name of a video I found when starting to board (soft), and recommend it to any beginner! Ever since I've become interested in Alpine Boarding (last season) I've been praying for 'someone' to come out with an 'instructional' video, that would help me like 'GDI' did ! Unfortunately I'm one of those that 'need' to see it and then FEEL it (not very good at reading and visualization) but watching something over and over and trying it has helped. I'm in NJ, but if the timing was right, I'd make the trip to Mass / Conn for the seminar. I just WISH someone had a GOOD Alpine Snowboard Instructional Video !! ( A real video, not a 30-60 sec. clip ) jp

2Extreme, thanks for this post ! When starting I was really confused about soft boots / hard boots, bindings that have flex as opposed to ones that do not, etc., etc. Now it is clear as 'mud' ! Great Thread though. Just like 'suspension' on anything else, road bike, mtn. bike, motorcycle,street car, race car, monster truck, whatever. It's all about putting the 'forces' to the surface.

Personally I like keeping all of my fingers together, less chance of breaking them in a mitten. But then again, I'm still wearing wrist guards too. Wimp, too many broken thumbs and fingers I guess.