D.T.

Wow, interesting comment.Back to the question at hand, the Aspen area resorts are a good option. Even at SES, Buttermilk is always empty and has phenomenal carving! You can stay in Carbondale or Glenwood where the lodging is more affordable. Commute time is ~30 to 45 minutes.

Yeah, this video was already posted in the Bode thread, but pay attention at the 22 second mark when the helmet comes sliding into view. <object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9Mb8w5eVKA&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9Mb8w5eVKA&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object> Notice that the chin strap is keep the right temple/ear portion in proximity with the remainder of the helmet. The single impact was enough to break the shell and foam. We probably would have been looking at grey matter had he not been wearing a helmet. Also, a 33yr old guy (MD by the way) died at Breck this weekend. He landing on his head after coming off a jump in the park. He was wearing a helmet.

Admittedly, yes, I am a little biased toward the Tanker. Here is a photo from Saturday, Jan 12th. The pow was 12 to 30 inches deep depending on where you rode. The wind kept filling in the tracks, so for the most part, each run was fresh tracks. From left to right: Matt's "tiny" 182, big mario's 187W, my 192, inkaholic's 200.

Yes, it is the Berserker. Bola and LeeW rode it.

I spent the morning helping Bola set up demo boards and bindings. I made a few runs in the afternoon; glad they were not filmed, I was riding like sh@t.:o

Here a few photos: Bola brought boards from Dupraz, Prior, Virus, SG, Coiler, Phiokka, F2, Nidecker, Oldenburg, and Kessler. Bindings were provided by Bomber. Inkaholic helping Bola set out the demos: Monodude with his new ride: The star of the show: Narcissus admiring his reflection:

Great video, Tom!I think that I the first time I have seen a certain someone, who's name I will not mention, eat it.:D

likewise Lee. thanks for coming over, hope to get to ride with you soon.

I'm 5'9", 210lbs. I started with a 182 Tanker with softies and found that I could take the board anywhere. Tight trees, bumps, the steeps/wind blown funk/ powder, etc... that comes with hiking the Ridge at Loveland -- anywhere. I decided the next season to sell the 182 and bought a 192. Again, I take the 192 anywhere I want to go. As others have stated above, I would recommend the 182 over a 172.

Thanks to everyone for showing up today. It was a typical Loveland day. It was cold, but at least it was windy!:D Big thanks to Mario for the tasty BBQ and to Bola for bringing the demo boards.

John - sorry, just got your e-mails. Sent a reply. Just in case -- I will be through Morrison at ~5:45AM tomorrow morning and anticipate leaving Loveland at 4:30 or 5PM, maybe later if traffic is bad.

Is it Saturday morning yet? Is it Saturday morning yet? Is it Saturday morning yet? :D See y'all tomorrow!

BUMP. Tomorrow cannot get here soon enough!!! John, we could ride together if you are interested. I'll need to drive becuase I'll have a table, chairs and other stuff loaded in the truck. I'll also probably be one of the first to arrive and last to leave the parking lot. Send me an e-mail if you are interested.Dustin

Willy - WTF??? You've got issues, man. I love it! mrjamie - swallowtail it!! Just make sure you use some high quality epoxy to seal it back up. There is a photo is the classifieds of a K2 Eldo that someone swallowtailed then had a surfboard repair shop lay some glass on it to add some strength back. It's worth checking out. EDIT - check pics in post #7 in this thread.

I needs to get me some of dem business socks

From the eBay add: This might suggest that the seller has multiple boards and will send the one that is weight matched for the rider.;)

x2 on the Donek FC. Good board, readily available and relatively inexpensive. I was able to drive my 179cm FC 1 to ridiculously small turns and the board was still poppy enough to get my 210lb a$$ airborne between turns if I loaded the tail.

My new Donek 186GS:

I follow what you are saying. When I purchased my Hot Blast, I went to a shop that had many different SL boards on the wall. "The Salesman" and I discussed my style and what boards would be most appropriate. I looked at the SG Speed, SG Race T, Kessler, Volkl RT, Nidecker SL, Prior WCR, and Hot Blast. Flexing the boards, I found all of them to be stiff and lively. I did not want to spend the $$ on metal so the Kessler and SG Race T were out. The SG Speed felt really stiff, so I skipped it. I have had Priors and Volkls and wanted something different. The choice came down to an '08 Nidecker SL (metal but inexpensive) and an unknown vintage Jun Meakawa Hot Blast (~ '03??) still in plastic. I liked the feel of the Nidecker. Hand flexing, it felt identical to a German built Volkl. I chose the Hot. The main reason was it is something different and a friend used to race on one, still has it and absolutely loves it. This is where I have found the BTS kit to be a great asset. It allows you to flex the boot, tune the amount of resistance, and effectively pressure the edge of the board.

I would say it depends on the SCR of your WCR. The Nidecker has an SCR of 8.9m. If the WCR is around 12m, then yes they would complement each other nicely.

Rich, Don't be too concerned about the weights listed on the manufacturer's sites. For the longer boards, i.e. Nidecker 162SL, I would ocnsider then recommended weight to be 70kg and up. On the shorter board, i.e. Nidecker 158SL, a heavier weight rider would be more likely to decrease the life of the board. My concern would be at your weight, a 158cm board might not have enough edge to allow you to really drive and push the board.

Your not Thor and neither am I, of coarse we are agreeing. I picked up that Hot Blast from "The Salesman", so I am good in the SL category. Thanks! Sorry for the hijack rschneid, but cfj04's RT could be a good option for you. It's German built, unlike the current models.

Actually cfj04 is a 200# er, as am I. Never had an issue. Actually, I wish I had not sold my RT163. It was a snappy/lively board.

If it would help, I could meet you in Morrison and you could ride the rest of the way with me. We could figure out a way for you to get you leg "up" for that portion of the ride. Only one stipulation, I am leaving early!!! (through Morrison @ ~6AM)

Passed out flat on your back with you leg resting on a cooler? Air temp will be around 10 degF, so just leave your lower leg exposed. Problem solved!