6:47 pm
House rider on Clean Water Act guidance puts America’s waters at risk
WASHINGTON, D.C.—A new rider inserted into the House Energy and water Appropriations Bill this week could have negative impacts on streams and wetlands all across the country, harming efforts to protect water quality and degrading angling opportunity in waters treasured by all Americans. (more…)
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7:51 am
Hurry Hurry Hurry
Today is the last day to get your codes in for The Great Spokane Coaster Hunt.
Good luck to all!
News |
11:03 am
Contact: Don Kardong, Race Director—(509) 838-1579
BLOOMSDAY NEEDS VOLUNTEERS
Check-In, T-Shirt Distribution, Lost & Found
Spokane, WA—With less than two weeks until the 36th running of the Lilac Bloomsday Run, organizers are eagerly seeking volunteers to help with Check-In, T-shirt distribution, and the Lost & Found area on race weekend.
“The success of Bloomsday is totally dependent on the support of nearly 5,000 volunteers,” said Bloomsday Race Director Don Kardong. “Most of our volunteer positions don’t require much, if any, prior experience, but it’s crucial that we fill all open positions to make sure things proceed smoothly before, during and after the run.”
For those interested in helping, here are a few details:
Number Distribution—This takes place at the Convention Center. Two shifts on Saturday, May 5th are especially in need of workers. No prior experience is necessary, and many of the volunteers in this area also run, jog or walk Bloomsday the next day. For more information, log on to Bloomsday’s web site (www.bloomsdayrun.org) and click the “Volunteers” button, then Number Distribution on the drop-down menu.
T-Shirt Distribution—About 200 volunteers are needed on Sunday morning, May 6th to help set up the T-shirt area, unload the shirts, and hand them out. For more information, log on to Bloomsday’s web site (www.bloomsdayrun.org) and click the “Volunteers” button, then T-Shirt Distribution on the drop-down menu.
Lost & Found—Organizers are looking for a group with at least six members to help in this area. The Lost & Found area is located in the parking lot north of City Hall on Bloomsday, and is only for lost kids. Volunteers should arrive around 7:00 a.m., and are done about 2:00 p.m. If you have a group that can help, please contact the Bloomsday Office at (509) 838-1579, ext. 10.
This year’s Bloomsday is scheduled for Sunday, May 6. Over 50,000 runners, joggers and walkers are expected to participate.
his year’s Bloomsday is scheduled for Sunday, May 6. Over 50,000 runners, joggers and walkers are expected to participate.
News |
6:42 pm
Bands to watch….. ELKFEST 2012
My Goodness
Guitarist Joel Schneider and drummer Ethan Jacobson epitomize the purest distillation of rock, blues and punk. They both hail from other notable Seattle bands, but their sonic chemistry became immediately apparent when they began playing together. Very quickly they were offered a show and needed a name. Since they both felt like they were finally playing music that they had kept to themselves in prior bands they referred to that feeling as their goodness…therefore My Goodness. Like their fated-meeting, their music grabs you from the very first impression and draws you in for more and more. These two have harnessed the essence of their influences in a most compelling and uniquely rich way that spills out of them and rips into the heart of rock and roll. My Goodness performs Friday June 8.
www.mygoodnesslovesyou.com
http://youtu.be/A217iXSLuLk (more…)
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6:07 am
The Outdoor Industry Association sent us the following press release. They have several members int he Spokane area including Omega Pacific and Mountain Gear.
The Outdoor Industry Association Sustainability Working Group (OIA SWG) — a collaboration of more than 250 outdoor industry companies working to to identify and improve the environmental and social impacts of their products — has been selected by the White House as a Champion of Change for Corporate Environmental Sustainability.
The White House Champions of Change program highlights the stories and examples of citizens across the country that represent President Obama’s vision of out-innovating, out-educating and out-building the rest of the world through projects and initiatives that move their communities forward.
The OIA SWG grew from the efforts of leading outdoor industry companies that were independently exploring ways to reduce their environmental and social impacts. These companies recognized that they could make meaningful progress by working together on shared issues through their global supply chains. (more…)
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5:30 pm
Cycling
The new light rail system recently recommended to the Spokane Transit Authority is a thrilling opportunity for Spokane to join other transportation-smart cities. Less thrilling is the anti light rail talk being heard around town.
Exhibit ‘A’ for light rail critics is the cost; $300 million dollars-most of which will be covered by federal funds. Sounds like a lot of money, but it needs to be put into perspective. The Mariners ballpark, Safeco Field was built with $340 million in public funds. According a recent article in the L.A. Times, each new mile of interstate cost $100 million dollars, with each interchange costing $25 million. The replacement for the Alaskan Way Viaduct in Seattle, whichever direction it goes, is going to be a multi- billion dollar project. A light rail line from Spokane to Liberty Lake, which could eventually be extended further, seems like a bargain in comparison.
It’s worth paying for. Does anyone believe that oil is going to get cheaper and more plentiful in the long-term, reducing the need for public transportation? Does anyone believe the development along I-90 between Spokane and North Idaho is going to come to a screeching halt anytime soon? Does anyone think Spokane can compete economically with similar metro areas that have better public transportation?
The choice is clear; we can either get ahead of the curve with our transportation needs, like Portland did, or drag our heels like Seattle. When Brock Adams was President Carter’s Transportation Secretary he could have delivered any public transportation project the Emerald City desired. But Seattle blew it’s chance a few decades ago saying, in affect, “We’ll never need a train system here.” Now the city is playing catch-up, with insane growth and awful traffic that’s only getting worse.
There’s something luxurious about getting into a vehicle and having somebody else do the driving for you. That’s what I think when I step into the light rail at the PDX airport and head into town. Portland’s TriMet train is fast, efficient, and moves more people better than busses can. How thrilling would it be to have local political and business leaders stand up and champion the same sort of light rail in Spokane? If enough of us take a vocal pro light rail stance it just might happen.
Check out: http://www.spokanelightrail.com
Jon B. Snyder
Send your letters to: editor@outtheremonthly.com, or OTM, PO Box 559, Spokane WA 99210 or visit our discussion forum at www.outtheremonthly.com/otmbb
News |
9:37 am
This just in from Jeff Bresnahan at Evergreen Physical Therapy:
Cycling Tips & Tricks From Your Local Experts!
Please join us for an evening of good company, appetizers, refreshments, and cycling tips! Learn about injury prevention, bike safety, and proper cycle ergonomics from avid cyclists. All ages and riders encouraged to attend!
Speakers & Topics:
Jonathan Keeve, MD – Northwest Orthopaedic Specialists:
Bicycling Injuries: Safety in the Saddle
Steve Allen, PT – Liberty Lake Physical Therapy:
A Proper Bike Fit: The Importance of Feeling Good on Your Bike
Jeff Bresnahan, PT, DPT – Evergreen Physical Therapy:
Improving Performance: Exercise to Enhance Pedal Power
Enjoy Great Brews
Drew Smith from Huckleberries will be there to pour some of his favorite micro brews! (we’ll have root beer on hand, too!)
LIBERTY LAKE PHYSICAL THERAPY
23505 E Appleway Ave, Ste 106
509-891-2258
Thursday, April 12th, 2012, 6:00pm – 8:00pm Liberty Lake Physical Therapy $20/person 509-891-2258
12:58 am
FINDING THE RIGHT LONGBOARD setup, as a novice, can feel overwhelming. Because manufacturers offer so many styles, it can be hard to decide what to buy. Riders must not only choose the style, but they must also choose the length, shape, flexibility, wheels, trucks and bearings that will best fit them.
Like any sport, new enthusiasts sometimes get discouraged by the thought of buying the wrong gear. If you’ve ever ventured into a new sport you know how expensive gearing up can be. Since the initial cost for the various components can quickly add up, many people hesitate to start.
Here’s what you need to know to be more confident about investing in a longboard.
First, estimate your budget by considering the style of riding you will be doing and how often you will ride. According to Mike Thompson, owner of Concrete Reef Skateboards in Spokane, whatever type of riding you plan to do you want your set-up to fit your needs.
“If you are just getting started I wouldn’t recommend getting into a downhill board… you won’t be able to turn it as well,” he says.
If you plan to ride large hills for speed, you will want a longer, stiffer board for stability. You will also want larger, wider vented wheels with high quality hubs, ultra smooth bearings and stronger trucks for supporting the additional weight and vibration.
For sidewalk surfing, it’s best to have a shorter board with lighter trucks for better maneuverability and harder wheels for power slides and other tricks. You might also consider a board with a kicktail.
After determining how you want to ride, decide how much you can spend and if you want a kit or if you’d rather piece a board together. A great place to start is a local shop like Mountain Goat Outfitters. Many websites also offer complete longboard kits ranging from $99.99 to $489.99. Although kits offer initial savings, often times they’ll need some tweaking. If you go this route, set some money aside so you can replace components you don’t like.
If you’d rather piece one together here’s a general idea of what you’ll need and how much money you can plan to spend.
The board itself is known as a “deck” ($50-$180) and varies according to length, thickness, material, shape, graphics, flexibility and durability. When selecting a deck, you’ll want to make sure it will work with the other components. Some decks have cut-outs or routered wheel wells to prevent rubbing while turning depending on the wheel size you select.
All skateboards, long or short, have “trucks.” These are what mount the wheels to the board. Shortboard trucks are wide and light for turning quickly or tricks. They are usually made of lighter materials like aluminum and tend to be cheaper than longboard trucks and less durable.
Longboard trucks are more narrow and sturdy and have a higher stance providing more clearance for larger wheels, which adds leverage for turning. Trucks made for longboards also offer better bushings for a smoother ride. Trucks range in width from 6.125” to 10” (cost $20-$220/pair). Companies like Randal, Paris Trucks or Gun Metal offer a good value ($40-$50/pair).
Wheels ($18-$120/set) are classified by size and hardness (durometer). Sizes range from 49mm to 107mm in circumference. Wheel hardness on the durometer ranges from 54d to 103a. Lower durometer numbers are softer and grip better to provide a smoother ride. Higher numbers are harder and slide easier. For the rough roads and sidewalks in the Inland Northwest, Thompson recommends a 70mm-85mm wheel. Kryptonics or Sector 9 offer a good value at $30-$45/set.
Bearings ($8-$100/set) vary substantially depending on quality—measured from Abec 3 to Abec 9. Abec 3s are the cheapest. These are commonly made from low-grade steel and tend to pit providing poor movement. Abec 9s have the best movement and are made from super hard carbon steel, ceramic or titanium. Titanium are considered to be some of the best, but ceramic bearings ($25-$45/set) can be a good value—they won’t pit or rust.
If you’re looking for a more personal approach or prefer to buy local, you can have a board custom made locally by Thompson’s company, Concrete Reef Skateboards—starting around $180.
Be sure to set money aside for safety gear. Basic necessities include a helmet and gloves. Pro-Tec helmets offer a good value for $40-$60. Good gloves with pads in the palms and fingertips are $60-$70. Additionally, elbow, wrist and kneepads are always a good idea for big hills ($40-$60/set).
Although you can drop a couple hundred bucks for safety gear, the investment can be significantly less than a single trip to the emergency room. “Always wear a helmet, the pavement is a very unforgiving medium for your head,” says Thompson.
One of the best ways to get started is to talk to a friend who is already riding. Ask him or her to try his/her board for a few runs and get the feel of it. Then ask about what components are on that board. If you don’t know anyone with a board, try finding a blog or forum with other local people who ride. This will help you figure out what you want.
Over the years, boarders have beautified their boards with paint, decals, carvings, engravings, lacquers, stains, varnishes and just about anything else you can think of. It’s this part of the process that truly allows you to make your board your own. Just remember, no matter what your board looks like, it’s not a matter of what you ride, it’s simply a matter of whether you ride or not.
12:53 am
LAST MONTH IN OUR Everyday Cyclist column we attempted to locate every no-drop ride around. We missed a few.
Turns out some of the area’s best and most competitive cycling clubs also have some great regular rides for range of abilities. And they all like to recruit new riders.
VERTICAL EARTH in Coeur d’Alene (verticalearth.com) has no-drop mountain bike rides on Tuesday evenings year round except during the summer when they move to Thursday so they don’t conflict with the Twilight Series races held on Tuesdays. They also host Wednesday evening road rides from roughly April through September. These are no-drop rides but they’re at a 17-18 mph pace.
EMDE SPORTS – FITNESS FANATICS USA Cycling and USA Triathlon Team (emdesports.com) is a mix of cyclists, triathletes, and runners. Outside of racing season they hold regular weekend rides. They welcome other riders to join them. Like Vertical Earth, although the rides are no drop they do have an expected pace to keep. They have rides set for 15-17mph and as high as 22mph. Fitness Fanatics (fitfanatics.com) has shop rides too, including a no-drop mountain bike ride Mondays at 6pm and a 12 mph and up road ride on Wednesdays, also at 6pm.
ZUSTER CYCLING (www.zustercycling.com) is a women’s racing team. Their training is somewhat spontaneous with members sending an email for rides they want to lead. They do road and mountain bike rides. They try to have a few road rides geared towards beginners so they can work on handling, riding in a group, and riding in traffic. New members must be sponsored by a member who’s been on the team for at least a year.
RIVER CITY RED is a new team sponsored by River City Brewing. They will be doing a “Friends of the Shop,” no-drop ride leaving from Steve’s On Cannon Street around 5.30 pm on the last Thursday of each month, April through August (April 26, May 31, June 28, July 26 and Aug 30). The ride is about 20 miles and paced to keep everyone together or re-grouped. They will ride a loop out to the Seven Mile Bridge on the Aubrey White Parkway and back on the other side of the river. For more information: RiverCityRed@gmail.com.
Thanks for everything these clubs do for our cycling scene. Hope to see you on the road (or trail) soon.
JON SNYDER, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
editor @ outtheremonthly.com
For info: http://targetzero.com/Plan.htm
12:07 am
Climbing Dictionary: Mountaineering Slang, Terms, Neologisms And Lingo — An Illustrated Reference To More Than 650 Words
Matt Samet
Mountaineers Books, 2011, 250 pages
THE CLIMBING DICTIONARY by Matt Samet brings together all the terms, phrases and lingo that climbers unconsciously speak, and explains them for everyone to understand. The book easily skips past the dry, serious tone of most definitive books and follows an ingenious path that shares all the comic slang and actual jargon that climbers use.
Surfers, skaters, snowboarders and kayakers all have terms and slang that define their sport as well as their culture. Climbing, a much older sport, follows a similar thread, and English language climbing terms are actually more prevalent around the world.
Samet might be overqualified to write the Climbing Dictionary. Beyond his remarkable career as a freelance editor and writer for dozens of outdoor magazines, he served as editor-in-chief at Climbing magazine. He has bouldered V11 and climbed some of Rifle, Colorado’s earliest test pieces including Fluff Boy (5.13c) and Dumpster BBQ (5.13c/d). He also solo managed an early repeat of Peter Croft’s mega-route Evolution Traverse (VI 5.9), in Sierra Nevada, California.
Truth be told, Samet’s impressive climbing résumé itself contains terms that are not easy to understand, which offers a hint at why he wrote the Climbing Dictionary. The book truly runs the gamut, from technical terms (belay, harness, rappel) to slang (dab, Gaston, old dad, pumpy), to regional (such as the Southwest’s baby-butt slopers), antiquated (Goldline, headpoint), and foreign terms that have achieved universal usage (a cheval, colonnette) and much more.
Each word’s definition includes its part of speech, origin (if known), meaning and a humorous but factually-sound example sentence to demonstrate usage.
Whenever appropriate, illustrations by Mike Tea provide a pinpoint explanation. His illustrations have appeared in numerous publications, but he’s arguably best known as Black Diamond’s technical illustrator. In a sport as complex and equipment-oriented as climbing, knowing the terms and the language are crucial, and Mike’s visual contribution dovetails perfectly with Matt’s definitions.
Seasoned climbers and beginners should definitely read this book because it provides insight into the history and culture of climbing, as well as mountaineering. Best of all, the pages are unique, interesting and often laugh-your-harness-off funny.
Jon Jonckers
The Global Forest
Diana Beresford-Kroeger
Viking, 2010, 175 pages
I READ THIS BOOK SLOWLY, putting it down several times. I repeatedly found myself having feelings unlike anything I can remember from a text. Sort of like having a sense of well being after returning from a long, solo hike. Two reasons: first, the author is a poet and a storyteller—Irish, no less. Second, she is telling you scientific information that, for me, was utterly new.
A wide range of good scientists today profess that they balance their evidence-based inquires with a religious or mystical awe. There are even a few more writers who possess perhaps a bit less scientific depth but who can somehow use philosophical language to produce a sense of wonder of the non-human world. Beresford-Kroeger has raised the bar.
Some things I learned: Talking about how hemoglobin in humans and chlorophyll in plants exchange oxygen, she writes, “It seems like part of a divine plan, these twin sister molecules working hand-in-hand in their quantum homes to forge life for the entire planet.” How bioplanning will, in time, form a new safety net. The way trees capture and transform sunlight into food and gases could, if we can ever fully understand it and produce technology to mimic it, become a remarkable new source of energy. How every species finds its own medicine in the world, from plants and trees to ants to hippos. How the ancient pharmacopoeia of the pines emit a medicinal aerosol that literally has a stimulating effect on the process of breathing itself. How, as amazing as it may sound, the biochemistry producing human dreaming, melatonin, has a counterpart in trees called auxin. Both are aromatic hydrocarbons produced in response to the changes in sunlight of the seasons. In both humans and trees, sleep and respiration is balanced so dreams may arise.
We know a great deal about what is happening in our world and suffer terribly as a consequence. “Consumerism bores holes of unbearable solitude,” writes Beresford-Kroeger. “Seek the dignity of life, all life.”
Terry Lawhead
