bumpyride

I've learned that giving up the season for covid has a few positives. I didn't have to worry about idiots on the slopes or in line. I didn't have to have my aggravation levels increase when those idiots crossed paths with me unmasked. Pushing hard for 1 1/2+ hours on a Fat Bike in Hills and Snow is way better conditioning that 5 or 6 hours on a Board. Riding a bike down banked trails and continually improving speed and technique is pretty darn satisfying, and it's noticeable when you get better. Riding up hill is just a way to get younger. Was able to get both of my Covid shots at an earlier date than if I was in the Mountains. Learned that I missed Boarding as much as I thought I would, and how incredibly lucky I am to have a home in Big Sky, summer or winter, (not that I didn't know already), but really hit home this year (spent all summer for the first time). Made me realize that I dislike big cities even more than I realized. Was finally able to dial in the stereo, to where my jaw just dropped. So all in all it was a mixed bag, still missed riding, and will savor it if we ride for the last 3 weeks after having been vaccinated. Looking forward to next year, with much more anticipation.

You have to be your own advocate. I had a different but similar story. Knee went out- bone on bone and could not walk a block. Talked to 3 Orthos (Federal Way Wa, Minneapolis Mn, Duluth Mn.)and they all said I needed a full knee replacement. Talked to guys on this site and someone said his employee had a new experimental knee procedure in the US, but years of experience in Europe. Found someone in Portland that was doing it and he said I was a perfect candidate. Had it done 10 years ago, and had it X-rayed last year, and it looks like the day it was put in. When I asked the Doc in Duluth, he tried to dissuade me by saying that they, and I quote, "haven't had great luck with 1/2 knee revisions". OK, so I'm not willing to take someone at an incomplete explanation, so I asked him, "are you telling me that a 1/2 knee revision is just as hard as a full knee revision?" He said, "Well NO". Then I asked him if he did half knees, and another "NO". Needless to say, you have to ask for 2nd, 3rd, and 4th opinions, plus you have to make sure that they are doing the procedure you're asking about. You are your own best advocate, and maybe the only one with your best interests.

If that was the case my apologies to Jon.

Spoken like someone who hasn't lost a friend or loved one to covid. I haven't as of yet, but have several friends that are still paying the price 3 months after getting it. Someone suggested that Jon was referencing Jackson Hole. If that was the case then my apologies.

In the same boat. Did not want to take a chance on ruining the rest of my Boarding Career for one season where I had to double think everything and everywhere I go. Here's to hoping we have a great next year.

This is from the wheel builder and pretty much snow guru on MTBR, the fatbike thread. Everything he's said I've found to be true. I ride with guys on Cakeaters, and I see them washing out on trails and off camber. We don't ride on lakes, but I've never had a problem with the Gnarwahls on icy stretches that I ride to Hartley. I bought my Gnarwals and studs from him (Mikesee). Hope this helps. #56 • Feb 27, 2019 I haven't compared them head to head, largely because of the difference in volume. So my comparisons are mere extrapolations -- take them for what they're worth. CE's have so much much air volume that they out-float Gnarwhal. Gnarwhal's tread pattern grips loose, deep snow better. CE rolls faster on hard surfaces. Ice performance = I implicitly trust Gnarwhal to keep me upright when ice suddenly appears under my tires without warning. I don't have the same level of trust in the CE's. Gnarwhal is impressive, trust-inducing on off-cambers, and through ruts. CE is vague on off camber, and easily deflected by ruts. CE hunts for traction when there is fresh (or wind drifted) snow on top of a firm base. Requires constant steering corrections. https://www.mtbr.com/threads/cake-eater-vs-gnarwhal.1092855/page-3

Studded Gnarwahls for a fatbike. There's a 3.8" for sale in Superior-those are not mine, just saw them.

We're at 7,500 feet for the winter. I'm at 220 feet in the summer. Every year seem to get better. This year on account of Covid, I spent 9 months there. Humidity. Dehydration can be a big part of it. We use a good humidifier and that seems to help. Drinking a lot of water is also a plus. We have been using a sodastream as a way to help ingesting enough water, but too much of that tends to affect your vocal cords, (which it did with me) so if you decide to use one, don't make it too concentrated with CO2. YMMV, but hope this helps. Also what we've found is that it takes a month to START getting acclimated, and it continues to get better till about 3 months, and then things get back to feeling the way you do at home.

Motocross and Cafe Racer?

Not looking good in Canada. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/covid-4/coronavirus-canada I'm spending my time Skate Skiing and Fat Biking. It's not quite as fast, but a lot better exercise, and can be a bit of a thrill going down a steep hill with a curve coming up both on bike and on skinny skis. Studded Gnarwahl tires are a real plus.

Of course I'd like to see everyone live the healthiest life possible. On the other hand, those that choose a vegan/vegetarian lifestyle have a healthier and more vigorous life up until their passing. This I take it to mean, able to hard charge for years longer. I'm at 71 right now, and a bit of a maniac according to my like aged friends, and would like to keep it that way for at least the next 10 years. There's been several on here (alpinesnowboarder) that have dabbled in dropping from animal products and seen a change. Nothing could make me happier (well covid could go away) than to see you at least try it and see how you feel. 30 days is a really good start. I remember when I first tried it in 2011 and it was immediate. I just felt a lighter sense of being, although it's hard to really put into a quantitative value, it is pretty remarkable. Those days that I felt a bit sluggish, disappeared. I never dropped a pound, but was light to start with, and yet I walked with a more springy step. 30 days and it could change a life. Best of luck always.

As far as Covid goes and animal based pandemics, here's a book and a podcast that may be of interest. You can't say we didn't have any warnings or prior pandemics. https://www.scientificamerican.com/podcast/episode/david-quammen-the-spillover-of-anim-12-11-18/

That's why we have short puny little incisors, and weak stomach acids like herbivores and long intestines unlike carnivores that have short intestines and dissolve bones and fur in their short digestive track. Rationalization and deflection does not alter facts. I chose not to get into an argument in this thread, but here you go: Seventh-day Adventists have been the subject of many studies on health. One of the most well known is The Adventist Health Study (AHS-2), which involved more than 96,000 Adventists and looked for links between diet, disease, and lifestyle. The AHS-2 found that those who followed a vegetarian diet had a significantly lower risk of obesity, high blood pressure, and high blood sugar — all of which are strong risk factors for heart disease and early death (7Trusted Source, 8Trusted Source, 9Trusted Source, 10Trusted Source). Additionally, Adventists who followed vegetarian diets were found to have a decreased risk of colon cancer, compared with non-vegetarians (11Trusted Source). May support healthy weight loss and maintenance Research shows that whole foods and plant-based diets that include little to no animal products help support a healthy weight compared with diets that include more animal products (12Trusted Source, 13Trusted Source). A study including over 60,000 adults who participated in the AHS-2 found that those who followed a vegan diet had the lowest body mass index (BMI), compared with vegetarians and meat eaters. Average BMI was higher among those who ate more animal products (8Trusted Source). Additionally, a review of 12 studies including 1,151 people found that those who were assigned a vegetarian diet lost much more weight than those assigned a non-vegetarian diet. Those assigned a vegan diet experienced the most weight loss (13Trusted Source). May increase lifespan Blue zones are areas around the world in which the population is known to live longer than average. Many people who live in blue zones live to be at least 100 years old (14Trusted Source). The blue zones include Okinawa, Japan; Ikaria, Greece; Sardinia, Italy; and Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica. The fifth-known blue zone is Loma Linda, California, which is home to a large number of Seventh-day Adventists (14Trusted Source). The long lifespan of blue zone populations is thought to be related to lifestyle factors, such as being active, resting regularly, and eating a nutritious diet rich in plant foods. Research on the blue zones found that 95% of people who lived to be at least 100 ate a plant-based diet that was rich in beans and whole grains. What’s more, it was shown that the Loma Linda Adventists outlive other Americans by about a decade (14Trusted Source). Additionally, studies have found that vegetarian Adventists live 1.5–2.4 years longer than non-vegetarian Adventists, on average (15Trusted Source). What’s more, a large body of evidence demonstrates that diets based on whole plant foods can help prevent early death, largely due to their ability to reduce your risk of heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and certain cancers (16Trusted Source, 17Trusted Source).

Precisely why I ride a soft all mountain carving board, flexible raichle 122s and spend all my time off piste and in bumps. Feet are more comfortable than running shoes, board is responsive and controlled and a blast in the bumps. No judgement here, I imagine we're brothers from different boots.

You're absolutely right. The answer to this is we've evolved enough to no longer depend on meat.

Never one to shy away from facts: Say whatever you think about Covid, how it started, how it spread, but it NEVER would have happened if mankind didn't eat ANIMALS. Mankind is batshit crazy.

According to Fauci the worst is yet to come. No time to let your guard down. We have deferred our passes till next year. After walking over to the main lodge and seeing what some idiots are doing, It's not worth the risk. A new puppy, cross country and fat biking will take up the slack. BE SAFE.

FUN OVER TECHNIQUE I do not have the assituity nor the regimentation to be a good carver. I have more fun expecting the unexpected and reacting accordingly. Fun to be in the air. This video was really well done and showing that there's all kinds of fun things to do on a board.

One of the best all around "Carving" Videos I've seen. These guys can do it all. The Boards are multi-functional and fun. I have a similar Swallowtail, cambered, stiff, set back, and it definitely rocks everywhere except chop and ice. Thanks for posting. It was fun.

Posted 44 minutes ago It's sometimes amazing how some people can overcome restraints, while sometimes it's just not smart to have to fight the constraints in the first place. Just like there are hundreds of different binding angles, it doesn't mean that one person's angles are right for another, and the same with boots, binding cants, and forward lean. Riding styles are different, peoples physiologies are different. If you can't stand comfortably it's best to experiment to find out what's best for your individual riding style and comfort. I ride 2 completely different angles depending on which board I'm on. It's sometimes just a very subtle difference that makes it a whole new world. I have had to take a trip to the Ortho-Doc just to make sure that it was incorrect binding angles that were the cause and not some old tendons. It was the binding angles/leverage. Ride for comfort till you can train your body to adjust to a new sport, and most importantly don't do any damage to yourself by trying something that doesn't suit you. Try things and carry a #1 Phillips with you to change anything that doesn't feel right. My riding style necessitated listening to my body, not what anyone else was doing. PS. Always look uphill. Best of luck to you.

7 Places Where the Slopes Are Less Skied These under-the-radar resorts offer plenty of room to turn, and plenty of challenge amid a winter of social distancing. Encompassing three peaks and 300 acres, the family-run Bolton Valley resort features the highest base elevation of any Vermont ski area.Credit...Bolton Valley By Cindy Hirschfeld Nov. 25, 2020 + Devoted skiers and snowboarders recognize the plum benefits of below-the-radar ski resorts: fewer fellow powder seekers, shorter lift lines, relatively reasonably priced tickets and lodging, and, often, limited distractions from time spent on the slopes. Now, especially, these qualities hold even broader appeal, as skiers look to limit contact with others while spending more time outdoors. At these seven resorts across the country, you’re less apt to jostle other parka-clad elbows while still enjoying a variety of terrain; plus, you can buy individual tickets — some areas require online advance purchase at least 24 hours ahead — at relatively good value. Off-slope, you won’t find the wealth of other amenities or activities that may attract skiers in a regular winter, but if we’ve learned anything from the pandemic, it’s how to avoid crowds and hang with the family. This is the winter to heat up a pot of fondue in the rental condo and play a board game by the fireplace. Ragged Mountain Resort New Hampshire Image In addition to gentle beginner terrain, New Hampshire’s Ragged Mountain features the type of old-school trails — narrow, serpentine routes down the fall line — that once defined New England skiing.Credit...Kyle Matzke/Ragged Mountain Want to pick up skiing this winter? Low-key Ragged is a perfect place to learn; the resort offers a free three-day program for first-time skiers or snowboarders, which culminates in a discounted season pass option ($69) and reduced-price ($29) additional lessons. This season, class size will be limited to five students per instructor. In addition to gentle beginner terrain, the compact resort’s 250 acres feature the type of old-school trails — narrow, serpentine routes down the fall line — that once defined New England skiing. One of six lifts at the ski area, New Hampshire’s only six-pack whisks riders up one of the two peaks, so lines move quickly, and snow-making on 87 percent of the mountain ensures solid coverage. Gift Subscriptions to The Times, Cooking and Games. Starting at $25. Lodge slopeside in the Cardigan Cabins (rates start at $498 for two nights) or five minutes away at the historic New Hampshire Mountain Inn (doubles from $170). Access: A five-hour drive from New York City Anticipated opening: To be announced Good to know this winter: Check New Hampshire’s updated travel information, which currently requires a 14-day quarantine for visitors from beyond other New England states. Lift tickets ($78 to $89) must be purchased online in advance. The learn-to-ski program will be offered Monday to Thursday only. Base lodges will operate at 50 percent capacity, with 30-minute time limits for guests. Whitefish Mountain Resort Montana Image Three thousand acres of powder-filled glades, silky groomers and superlative steeps spill off Whitefish Mountain’s cone-shaped summit in Montana.Credit...Whitefish Mountain Resort This large, but laid-back, ski area in far northwest Montana offers 3,000 acres of powder-filled glades, silky groomers and superlative steeps that spill off all sides of the mountain’s cone-shaped summit — plus, the distinctive rime-coated trees dubbed “snow ghosts” that add an otherworldly touch to the mountain’s upper reaches. This season, two new intermediate trails and more glading bolster the appeal of the resort’s traditionally expert Hellroaring Basin area. Fifteen minutes away, the railroad and ranching town of Whitefish offers additional lodging and restaurants amid a hip, outdoorsy vibe. For even more distancing, Glacier National Park, 25 miles from Whitefish, offers cross-country ski and snowshoe trails for D.I.Y. or guided adventures. Anticipated opening: Dec. 10 Access: Glacier Park International Airport, 15 minutes from town Good to know this winter: No restrictions on lift ticket sales, including daily passes ($85, with up to 25 percent off for multiday tickets bought at least 48 hours in advance online). On-mountain restaurants and bars will operate at 75 percent capacity, with 45-minute time limits for guests. THE T LIST: A weekly roundup of what the editors of T Magazine are noticing and coveting right now. Sign Up Bolton Valley Vermont Image A popular instructional program at Vermont’s Bolton Valley offers clinics and guided tours with lift-assisted access and specialized gear rentals.Credit...Bolton Valley Encompassing three peaks and 300 acres, this family-run classic features the highest base elevation of any Vermont ski area, some of the state’s heaviest snowfall, and ample tree skiing — from spaced-out glades perfect for intermediates to tighter stands for experts — among its 71 trails. Night skiing five times a week affords views of the vivid sunsets over Lake Champlain to the west. Bolton has also earned a reputation for thousands of acres of stellar backcountry skiing adjacent to the ski area; a popular instructional program offers clinics and guided tours with lift-assisted access and specialized gear rentals. What’s more, the resort’s Nordic center has 100 kilometers of groomed and ungroomed cross-country ski and snowshoe trails. Anticipated opening: Dec. 3 Access: Burlington International Airport, 30 minutes away, or a nearly six-hour drive from New York City Good to know this winter: Check Vermont’s updated cross-state travel information. Currently, out-of-state visitors must quarantine for 14 days, or for seven days if followed by a negative coronavirus test. Daily lift ticket sales ($30 to $100) will be restricted and may sell out on peak days. Kids’ ski school lessons will start at age 7. Monarch Mountain Colorado Image Colorado’s Monarch Mountain is a modest size — 800 acres and a 1,100-foot vertical drop — but it is counterbalanced by 350 inches of average annual snowfall.Credit...Casey Day/Monarch Mountain For more than 80 years, this central Colorado ski area along the Continental Divide has drawn powderhounds. Its fairly modest size — 800 acres and a 1,100-foot vertical drop — is counterbalanced by 350 inches of average annual snowfall that can stay untracked for several days past a storm, plus guided snowcat skiing on 1,600 additional acres of advanced terrain. Experts also love the hike-to, backcountry-style runs in Mirkwood Basin. Recent required thinning of pine-beetle-stricken trees has opened up more gladed skiing across the mountain. (Denver-based Meier Skis sells custom Monarch models using some of that harvested wood.) Many guests opt to stay in the artsy, riverside town of Salida, 20 miles east. Anticipated opening: To be announced Access: Montrose Regional Airport, two hours away, or Denver International Airport, three hours away Good to know this winter: Daily lift tickets ($99, with up to 40 percent off multiday tickets bought in advance) must be purchased online before arrival for weekends and holiday periods. Only one party at a time can book a snowcat trip ($3,600), with a maximum of six skiers (two cats will run on many weekends). Brian Head Resort Utah Image With a base elevation of 9,600 feet, the snow stays light and dry on Brian Head Resort’s 71 runs across two peaks.Credit...Brian Head Resort For scenery alone, this ski area on the edge of the Mojave Desert, far south of Utah’s better-known resorts, is worth a trip. Surrounding red-rock cliffs, including Cedar Breaks National Monument two miles to the south, provide a stunning backdrop to pristine powder that accumulates from both northern and southern storm tracks. With a base elevation of 9,600 feet, that snow stays light and dry on the resort’s 71 runs across two peaks, one draped with gentle cruisers, the other with advanced to expert runs. Bonus: Bryce Canyon National Park is within an hour’s drive, and Zion National Park an hour and a half — winter is a great time to visit these normally crowded destinations. Anticipated opening: open Access: Las Vegas McCarran International Airport, three hours away Good to know this winter: No restrictions on lift ticket sales, including daily passes ($89, with discounts of more than 40 percent for advanced purchase online), or group lessons ($100 to $175 with five-day or more advance booking). The two base-lodge restaurants will operate at 50 percent capacity. Sugar Bowl California Image Sugar Bowl’s high-alpine terrain — 1,600 acres strung across four peaks — includes steeps on par with Tahoe’s best.Credit...Sugar Bowl Resort As Ikon and Epic passholders beeline past to other Tahoe-area resorts, a loyal Bay Area clientele veers off at Sugar Bowl atop Donner Summit, which relishes its independent ownership and attendant lack of crowding, as well as some of California’s deepest snowfall — 500 inches annually on average. Founded in 1939 (with the state’s first chairlift), the resort now offers modern amenities like five high-speed quads amid a backdrop of retro charm, including a small mid-mountain hotel reachable by gondola. The high-alpine terrain — 1,600 acres strung across four peaks — includes steeps on par with Tahoe’s best. Plus, the resort-owned Royal Gorge Nordic Center, North America’s largest cross-country area, has 140 kilometers of trails that start at the base of Sugar Bowl. Anticipated opening: Nov. 27 Access: Reno Airport, one hour away, or San Francisco or Oakland International Airports, 3.25 hours away Good to know this winter: Season pass sales were curtailed early to limit traffic on the slopes while still allowing space for day skiers; a limited quantity of daily lift tickets (from $125), plus rentals ($49) and lessons (private only this season; $95 per hour, per person) must be purchased in advance online, at least three days before arrival for the latter two. The mid-mountain hotel (doubles from $169) will be open Thursday to Sunday nights only. All dining will be outdoors only, but on-mountain restaurants will be open for guests to warm up (in 15-minute increments when busy). Schweitzer Mountain Resort Idaho Image Schweitzer Mountain Resort in Idaho offers a buffet of terrain across two massive bowls.Credit...Schweitzer Mountain Resort The state’s largest ski area, on 2,900 acres in northwest Idaho’s Selkirk Mountains, offers a buffet of terrain across two massive bowls — quad-burning groomers, well-pitched glades, plummeting chutes and more — plus summit-top views into three states and Canada. Better yet, powder stashes can last for days. Last winter two new lifts and seven new trails improved access and added intermediate runs in Outback Bowl. Lodge slopeside in condos or stay in the vibrant, creative town of Sandpoint on Lake Pend Oreille, 11 miles away; next winter a 30-room boutique hotel will open on the mountain. The resort also operates 32 kilometers of Nordic trails, while outfitter Selkirk Powder offers guided snowcat skiing in a huge drainage on Schweitzer’s backside. Anticipated opening: Nov. 27 Access: Spokane International Airport, 1.5 hours away Good to know this winter: Daily lift tickets will be available through lodging packages at the mountain; otherwise, reserve them online ($89 to $95).

Don't let us in. We are a country comprised of close to 50% of idiots, which means if you ride up a chair with an American you have nearly a 50% chance of sitting next to an idiot. (I resemble that remark).

But you're in Canada. That's a big thumb's up.

I can live without 1 season if it means I can ski for the following 10 seasons. I just don't trust the super spreaders.

I may be repeating myself but here goes: 1. The 2 most dangerous words in the English language are "I THINK". 2. The 3 most dangerous words in the English language are "IN MY OPINION". Because you think or have an opinion, it does not make it right. Facts make right.