Matt skinning toward Mount Baker. Photo: Zeb Blais.

Five hours after our descent of Mount Rainier, we were on the road again.   By the wee hours of the morning we were sleeping in the Subaru near the base of Mount Baker.  At this point we were too late for a single push on the peak, so we took our time and leisurely skinned up to camp at 6,000′.

The approach to camp revealed the magic of this place.  Rolling ridges, features and steep gullies abound.  It is a true backcountry skier’s playground.  Even if you don’t get near the peak, the terrain is vast and begs exploration.

But we were on a mission, so we got down to brass tacks and planned out our next day.  The Northwest Avalanche Center had just issued a special avalanche bulletin and it was all gloom and doom due to record high heat in the North Cascades.  We figured we should get an early start.

We started moving just before dawn and were soon greeted by a beautiful alpenglow.

Early morning light on Mount Baker's Coleman Glacier. Photo: Zeb Blais.

The easy way up the Coleman-Deming route was appealing for a few reasons.  First, with ski crampons we could ascend the entire route: a welcomed vacation from boot packing!  Second, this route would get us to the top quickly before the heat of the day really beat down on us.

We soon realized that the temps were cooler than forecast.  Instead of rushing to ski down before the snow turned to slop we would be waiting for the snow to soften.  We slacked off our pace and enjoyed the mellow skin up to the top of Baker.

Matt skinning a few hundred vertical feet from the top. Photo: Zeb Blais.

Once on top, we reveled in the amazing weather we were getting.  There was a hint of a breeze, but nothing that could keep us from taking an hour long nap on the summit.  After about three hours on top, we figured we might as well get to skiing.

We had met an  intrepid skier named Todd on our way to our camp who had skied the Coleman Headwall with a friend that day.  We decided against it, but were able to admire the rugged beauty and exposure of the line.  Todd said he measured the upper section of the main Headwall at 55 degrees.

Mount Baker's Coleman Headwall. Burly ski line. Photo: Zeb Blais.

Our ski was significantly less gnarly, but fit the laid-back pace of our Baker Mission.  Who can complain about great powder turns in mid-May?

Last day of powder 'til the next storm on Mount Baker. Photo: Zeb Blais.

And to finish off the day, perfect corn back to the car.  

Perfect corn all the way down to the Heliotrope Trail. Photo: Matt Paul.

Next on the list:  Mount Shuksan.  It’s not a volcano, but hell it’s in the Cascades and it’s amazing!

Reflection of Squaw/KSL decision making?

Apparently Squaw has Officially answered the dilemma regarding wether or not they are going to have a Bike Park this year.

Answer: Posting a story on their website regarding the Western States Trail. Not worth reading, but here is a link for inquiring minds…. Notice their featured image is taken from exact point our video starts, located nearly 5 miles from the boundary of Squaw Valley!

http://www.squaw.com/blog/riding-western-states

What’s weird about this? Well for starters, the only section of the Wester States worth riding (as mentioned in their story) doesn’t even run through Squaw’s property. In fact, its on the opposite side of the Highway and nearly a 2 mile ride form the resort boundary. What is even more weird, is that Unofficial just posted an article with video clip included regarding this exact section of trail just over a week ago.

http://unofficialnetworks.com/conditions-report-592012-mountain-biking-95821/.

Come On Squaw! If this is Extraordinary, I don’t want to see what is ordinary….

Scouting the ascent route from the Muir snowfield. Photo: Eric Seel.

Mount Rainier is always an exciting ski.  The tallest, most glaciated peak in the Cascade Range has no simple hiking routes to the top.  All routes to the summit are glaciated if not steep or rocky.  We decided to climb the less traveled and more aesthetic Gibraltar Ledges route to the top of the R-dome and ski the classic Fuhrer Finger.  This trip Matt and I were joined by some crew from Tahoe: Corey Champage, Mike Kilcarr, and Eric Seel.

Our first day at Muir we could see the wind ripping snow from the upper reaches of the mountain.  The winds were forecast to be around 60 mph on top which seemed like  a reasonable estimate from our view at Muir. We waited a day, then got an early alpine start at 10am.  It was still cold.

Our team climbs towards Gibraltar Rock above Camp Muir. Photo: Eric Seel.

The climbing in the Ledges was great.  Good snow allowed for a quick ascent and the view of the Nisqually Ice Cliff was amazing.  While we were climbing, ice cleaved off it’s face a few times and we were glad we decided not to climb the Gib Chute directly under the ice cliff.

Matt and Zeb scouting the route on our blow down day. Nisqually Ice Cliff in the background. Photo: Eric Seel.

Above the Ledges, the crevasses were a little spooky.  Poking a leg through a snow bridge into a deep black hole called for a couple of quick route changes.  We bobbed and weaved our way up until the crevasses became well bridged.

Navigating the ice above the Gib Ledges. Photo: Eric Seel.

Corey, Matt and Seel above the blob of volcanic rock known as Gibraltar. Photo: Zeb Blais.

Five hours later we reached Columbia Crest at 14,411′.  The northwest wind was brutally cold, even at 3pm.  After a quick bite to eat, we started our descent.

After getting through the sastrugi of the summit crater, the snow became flat and chalky.  You can’t ask for much better than that on the top of Rainier!

Matt skiin' some chalk off the top. Photo: Eric Seel.

Navigating the cracks of the Nisqually means the descent is always exciting and aesthetic.  The snow wasn’t quite as nice as it had been on the top 1,500′.  The beautiful chalk we experienced up high had been glazed over by solar melt-freeze.

Seel skiing the Nisqually Glacier. Photo: Zeb Blais.

When we entered the Finger, things changed.  At the top of the chute the snow had a breakable crust that skiied suprisingly well and by the time we got halfway down it went to perfect corn.  The descent onto the Wilson was pure gold.  We had amazing corn turns down to 7,500′.

The author descends into a cloudy Fuhrer Finger. Photo: Eric Seel.

Below the Wilson, the skiing was firm on east faces and soft corn on southwest and south aspects.  We skied down to the Nisqually Bridge at 3,900′,  after skiing down over 10,500′!  Amazing!

More pictures to come on my blog: http://zebblaisbigmountainblog.blogspot.com.  They’re on the blog now.

BJ Orozco makes his way through "The Turret", a slot as wide as his body in the Grand Staircase.

The Line of the Week

Southern Utah

The Turret

When I left off last week I was covered in poison ivy and questioning my moves. I was deep in the Escalante and had some quality time on my hands.

Amongst the maroon colored canyon walls lay all types of insight into the past. Ruins and alcoves housed remnants of ancient cultures. Some of these remnants, like arrow heads lay right out in the open and all that is necessary is to open your eyes. Most of these remnants get passed by almost everyone. While the canyon itself was a source of natural beauty in its purest form, there was something lurking at the canyon’s mouth. The hidden gem that I speak about was a source of trepidation for my good friend BJ. It was something that had plagued him since an earlier visit and attempt. It was “The Turret”.

The Turret

We made our way to a break in the walls where a large tower stood alone. The desert sun blazed on our faces and the cracks on my dried out feet separated as sand entered and rubbed against my wounds. Blood trickled down into the base of my Chaco sandals. The mileage was starting to take its toll.

“The Turret” rested atop a sandy hill and provided a great source of shade at its base. While gazing at it I had difficulty comprehending that it could be both entered and climbed. We shed our gear, put on long sleeves and searched for the entrance. A few false slots made us question if we had the right tower. After a couple attempts we noticed markings on the wall, possibly left by the first people to have gone inside.

I put my head in first and couldn’t see very far. I turned sideways and slithered in with my face pressed up against the left wall and my ass and back smeared against the right. I used my fingertips to slide my body further into the dark slot as I shimmied in further and further. The entire section was not meant for the obese. You could hardy turn around throughout most of it. A cool breeze moved through the narrow hallway. The light from the entrance gave the slot a copper glow.

After 25 feet or so the hallway hit a T junction where it was possible to adjust your positioning. Then came the fun part. The T junction signified that a second slot crossed the one we were in. The light from the sun came in from a different angle and instead of continuing on straight there was a narrow, exposed climb upward. At first it was puzzling to comprehend how to proceed. I shimmied out to edge and then noticed a small carved out foothold on the wall behind me. I began to chimney upward. With each movement I became more and more exposed to a big fall but at every move there was yet another carved out step or handhold.

BJ makes his way up a chimney section

The Indians of the past had used this as a lookout tower and carved out these Mochi Steps to aid in their climbing. The only difference was that these steps in particular were full on! The sandstone in this part of Utah is known to be brittle and although it looks perfect it’s sketchy as hell.

I moved onward and upward. Every so often I had to stop and check out the holds. I paused suspended toward the top but finally pulled the exposed, hairball crux. There was another hallway both narrow and cool. The dark rock appeared to be limestone at this point and was a bit sharper to the touch. We angled upward.

When we were about 15 feet from the top things got hairy. A set of old, decomposing Mochi steps moved up the slot vertically. At first it was a chimney but made its way into a haphazard, off-width crack that moved over a section of canyon that was even more exposed. It then moved right over an area that left you about 30 feet off the deck with boulders and rocks in the landing. For us this was the end of the line. Getting up would have been doable but the retreat seemed deadly. Some things are best left to the imagination.

To view Photography from Southern Utah, check out:
http://ryansalmphotography.photoshelter.com/gallery/Southern-Utah-Canyons-Llamas/G0000pN.pn5EUGcA/

The Line of the Week is a weekly photo piece by Ryan Salm featuring some of Tahoe’s finest athletes doing whatever we deem rad. We will be using the term “Line” loosely to describe anything resembling chutes, big airs, pointers or any general madness. All images are the property and copyright of Ryan Salm Photography. All images are only to be used in conjunction with the Line of the Week. Any other usage must be cleared in writing by Ryan Salm.

 Squaw Valley & Alpine Meadows will connect some year soon.  Or will they?

Troy Caldwell owns the land between Squaw & Alpine (called White Wolf) & is still in the process of working out a deal with KSL (owners of Alpine & Squaw) to connect the two resorts.

Troy has been offered $45 million for his land in the past (from who, he doesn’t say).  He said no.  Troy makes $50,000 or so a year.  Is this guy a little nuts?  Nope, he just has a vision and is determined to see it out…

White Wolf’s unstrung ski lift on the backside of KT-22

FULL TRANSCRIPT TO THIS NPR STORY:

Kai Ryssdal: The snow report from the Squaw Valley ski resort today up in Lake Tahoe is kinda eh — 96-inch base, nothing new in the past 24 hours. Spring conditions, it says, which are always a mixed bag.

That’s not a bad metaphor, actually, for the ski industry as a whole. There’s a lot of pressure to consolidate in the face of a weak economy. Here in California, two big resorts up in Tahoe want to merge and become the biggest ski area in the country. Just one thing stopping the deal: the guy who owns land in between.

Marketplace’s Jeff Tyler has a profile of the man in the middle.

Jeff Tyler: This season, the Lake Tahoe ski resort Squaw Valley bought its neighbor — Alpine Meadows. Andy Wirth is CEO of Squaw Valley Ski Holdings.

Andy Wirth:The two resorts combined provide over 6,000 ski-able acres within 10 minutes of each other. So they offer something that nobody else has in this marketplace. At least, in Northern California.

Tyler: I’m surprised that you didn’t say that it’s the biggest resort in the U.S., if you take them together.

Wirth: Well, that fundamentally inaccurate. We’re not connected. We’re not together as one resort. We connect the resorts with a convenient shuttle.

I tried taking that shuttle.

Tyler: OK. Here at the Squaw-Alpine bus stop at 2:01.

It took me 35 minutes to get from one resort to the other. And that only got me to the parking lot. But the ride doesn’t bother snowboarder Rusty Bailey.

Rusty Bailey: It’s nice to be able to ski both mountains whenever you want. Get a pass. Works at both places. Got a bus that goes in between. I think it’s really convenient.

No. What would be really convenient would be a chair-lift that connects one resort with the other. That’s likely to happen eventually. But it all depends on local landowner Troy Caldwell.

Troy Caldwell: We own a piece of property. It’s 460 acres. It lies between Squaw Valley ski area and Alpine Meadows ski area.

He paid less than half-a-million dollars for the land more than 20 years ago. To raise the money, the Caldwells liquidated everything.

Caldwell: We basically got rid of our home and our spec house and whatever we could to make it work. We ended up living in a trailer when we moved on the property.

That trailer was without electricity or running water for about six years. But no matter the hardship, Caldwell resisted offers to sell.

Caldwell: We’ve been offered in the $45 million category for it.

That’s right. He turned down $45 million so he could build his own minimal ski resort. He has no partners. Caldwell is building it on a budget of $50,000 to $60,000 a year.

Caldwell: But I own everything. I don’t have any mortgages. We’re able to make $50,000, $60,000 kind of work for us.

He does a few odd jobs, like parking cars for the Alpine Meadows resort. At the end of the day, Caldwell shuttles skiers to the parking lot in his own personal truck.

Caldwell: I’m going up you guys, if you need a ride. You got boots, poles. You got it all.

Caldwell is a multi-millionaire on paper. So why is he spending his time parking cars?

Caldwell: The ski areas pay us to park the cars there. And that’s also a good source of revenue for us.

He also saves money when people like retired banker Pete Crosby volunteer to work on his planned ski resort, called White Wolf.

Pete Crosby: Like Troy told me, he said, “If I get a lot of cash in my wallet, it’s not good when I’m driving my car because it bothers my back.” So he said, “I don’t need a fat wallet.”

Caldwell resists taking a partner because he doesn’t want to sacrifice control. That would be a smart move, says ex-banker Pete Crosby, who used to work with entrepreneurs speculating on real estate development.

Crosby: They want to take control. They’ve got a lot of money invested in it. They want to control it. And they’re going to impose their own ideas. In many cases, they’ll change it substantially. Primarily for economic reasons.

Caldwell doesn’t seem to let economic considerations affect his plans. When he runs out of money, he puts his project on hold. He expects it could take another 10-15 years to get his ski resort going. Squaw Valley management hopes it won’t take that long to strike a deal with Caldwell.

In Alpine Meadows, Calif., I’m Jeff Tyler for Marketplace.

Truckee River mayhem

Your American freedom = dwindling.  For millions of years, American have enjoyed the right to get drunk, hit on each other, say obnoxious sh#t, and drown themselves as they see fit.  Placer County has now decided that all of those activities are illegal…but only on 6 out of 365 days per year.

“The Placer County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday to approve a resolution that will ban alcohol on the banks of the Truckee River from July 1 through July 6 each year.” – Placer County

But, it doesn’t end there.  They are also trying to ban drinking on Lake Tahoe:

“This year, the Sheriff’s Office is seeking to extend the ban to Chambers Landing (a west shore beach) from July 1 through July 6. Holiday-weekend crowds at the beach have grown larger over the past few years because of the recognition that open alcoholic containers are allowed there, but not on the Truckee River.” – Placer County

Why would you wanna have a drink here?

You mean that humans like to legally drink alcohol on the beach?  No.  No way!  We’ve got to Stop That.

We’ve already had bans on drinking on the Truckee River on 4th of July weekend since 2008.  (the river has been closed to rafting on July 4th the past two years due to low water flow resulting from the dam not being opened as a result of the Truckee river naturally flowing over 500 cfs at Floriston; learn more:  Truckee river rules)

“Since 2008, Placer County has prohibited the possession of open alcohol containers during the Fourth of July weekend alongside the river from Lake Tahoe to Alpine Meadows. The ban was a response to alcohol-related problems created by the many rafters who descend on the river over the holiday weekend.” – Placer County

Luckily, you can drink booze and recreate on the Truckee River 364 days/year

DETAILS OF THE ALCOHOL BAN:

“The Truckee River ban prohibits possession of open alcoholic containers on both sides of the river from its outfall at Lake Tahoe in Tahoe City to the upstream edge of the Alpine Meadows Bridge during the holiday weekend. The ban extends three feet up from the river’s high water mark on each bank, including islands and bridges. The Fanny Bridge in Tahoe City is the only bridge excluded from the ban.

State law bans the possession of alcoholic beverages on the river and any of its islands during the Fourth of July weekend. The state has jurisdiction over the river itself, because it is considered a navigable waterway.

Violations of the ban are punishable by a fine not to exceed $150 for the first violation, $500 for the second violation and $1,000 for the third violation occurring in any calendar year.” – Placer County

THE FLIP SIDE:

If you are on the other side of this, there is a lot to celebrate.  A lot of major 4th of July problems are decreasing: nudity, fighting, DUIs, minors with booze, drunk people in public, general pandaemonium.

“Sheriff’s Capt. Jeff Ausnow told the board Tuesday the Truckee River ban has been successful, noting that last year the number of arrests for alcohol-related and other offenses over the holiday weekend was down dramatically from previous years.

Placer County established its ban after years of alcohol-related problems on the river, including driving under the influence, being drunk in public, indecent exposure, fighting, and minors in possession of alcohol.” – Placer County

Truckee River System

Alas, there are two ways of looking at this story.  Freedom infringement (and the love of a good time) versus safety and a general lack of mayhem.

You’ve gotta pick a side.  You’ve gotta.  So, which side to you choose.  Square or Greaser?

FULL PLACER COUNTY PRESS RELEASE:

April 25, 2012 The Placer County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday to approve a resolution that will ban alcohol on the banks of the Truckee River from July 1 through July 6 each year. At Tuesday’s meeting in Kings Beach, board members also voted unanimously to adopt an ordinance that will include Chambers Landing Beach on Lake Tahoe at Homewood in the Fourth of July weekend alcohol ban. Since 2008, Placer County has prohibited the possession of open alcohol containers during the Fourth of July weekend alongside the river from Lake Tahoe to Alpine Meadows. The ban was a response to alcohol-related problems created by the many rafters who descend on the river over the holiday weekend. County Code generally prohibits alcohol from designated beach areas, but does not restrict alcohol at Chambers Landing Beach. This year, the Sheriff’s Office is seeking to extend the ban to Chambers Landing from July 1 through July 6. Holiday-weekend crowds at the beach have grown larger over the past few years because of the recognition that open alcoholic containers are allowed there, but not on the Truckee River. In a report to the board, Sheriff Edward N. Bonner noted that the U.S. Forest Service has primary law enforcement responsibility for Chambers Landing, but does not have the manpower to maintain a presence at the beach during the Fourth of July weekend. In past years, the Truckee River ban remained in effect throughout the Fourth of July weekend, but the dates covered by the ban changed from year to year based on the day of the week the holiday fell on. At Tuesday’s meeting in Kings Beach, the board approved the Sheriff’s Office’s request to provide for the ban to remain in force from July 1 through July 6 each year. The goal is to make it easier to notify the public and to encourage compliance by having the ban on the same days of the month each year. Board Chairwoman Jennifer Montgomery, North Lake Tahoe’s representative on the Board of Supervisors, said the alcohol ban appears to have strong support. “Frankly, everyone is very supportive of this because it has been such a huge improvement over years past,” she said. “I look forward to a peaceful Fourth of July.” The Truckee River ban prohibits possession of open alcoholic containers on both sides of the river from its outfall at Lake Tahoe in Tahoe City to the upstream edge of the Alpine Meadows Bridge during the holiday weekend. The ban extends three feet up from the river’s high water mark on each bank, including islands and bridges. The Fanny Bridge in Tahoe City is the only bridge excluded from the ban. State law bans the possession of alcoholic beverages on the river and any of its islands during the Fourth of July weekend. The state has jurisdiction over the river itself, because it is considered a navigable waterway. Sheriff’s Capt. Jeff Ausnow told the board Tuesday the Truckee River ban has been successful, noting that last year the number of arrests for alcohol-related and other offenses over the holiday weekend was down dramatically from previous years. Responding to a question, he emphasized that Placer County will use press releases, signage and other means to make sure the public is aware of the alcohol ban this year. Placer County established its ban after years of alcohol-related problems on the river, including driving under the influence, being drunk in public, indecent exposure, fighting, and minors in possession of alcohol. Violations of the ban are punishable by a fine not to exceed $150 for the first violation, $500 for the second violation and $1,000 for the third violation occurring in any calendar year.

Springtime is delicious, too. photo: timberline lodge

Last weekend was the end for a lot of ski resorts in North America.  We lost 8 resorts but still have 9 left.  We lost Kirkwood, Mt. Hood Meadows, Alpental, Steven’s Pass, White Pass, Arapahoe Basin, Marmot Basin, and Lake Louise.

This coming weekend is going to be the end for Alpine Meadows and Snowbird.  And then there will only be 7.  What were trying to tell you is:  get out there and harvest some turns before it’s too late…

The Winners = Whistler, Mammoth, Timberline Lodge.

CALIFORNIA:

- Mammoth Mountain = Open daily thru May 31st…at least, maybe longer

- Alpine Meadows = Open this weekend only (May 11, 12, 13)

ALASKA:

- Alyeska = Open every Friday, Saturday, & Sunday in May

OREGON:

- Mt. Bachelor = Open Thursday-Sunday thru May 27th

- Timberline Lodge = Open daily until May 28th for winter/spring operations (then they are open all summer for “summer” operations)

WASHINGTON:

- Crystal Mountain = Open every weekend in May & “maybe” open weekends in June & July (May 5, 6,  12, 13, 19, 20, 26, 27, 28)

UTAH:

- Snowbird =  Open daily thru May 13th

CANADIA:

- Whistler Blackcomb = Open daily thru May 28th

- Sunshine Village = Open daily thru May 21st

We know how much Jonny Moseley makes per year from Squaw.. Guess how much? Do you really wanna know?

So, you bought your 2012/13 Squaw Valley USA season pass?  Or you haven’t yet.  Either way, it’s good to know what benefits come with this year’s season pass.

Last year, there was a KILLER powder day on Sunday, March 18th.  If you had a gold pass, you could have gotten early ups and gotten 6 laps in deep blower snow on Granite Chief before the public.  This 6 laps is confirmed by a friend who was there and did exactly this.  She had a Gold pass and the early ups was a free benefit of her pass.  We were chumps, had Gold passes, didn’t know we could do this and waited in the KT line for hours with the other commoners.

baller pass photo

PASSHOLDER BENEFITS:

Good at Alpine & Squaw:

• (4) $75 lift tickets valid any day, non-holiday

• (4) $50 lift tickets valid Mon-Fri, non-holiday

• Ski all day for afternoon rates on your blackout dates

• (2) Free Dawn Patrols for Gold Passholders

• 50% off Dawn Patrol for Silver and Bronze Passholders

• Free summer Aerial Tram Rides at Squaw Valley

• You can ski at Alpine Meadows for free

Mike Wilson 50’ backflip on Grainte Chief in 2011.

It’s good to know this information especially to hook up friends and family with tickets.  Those top two benefits on the list are for buying tickets for friends.  Cool to know you can get afternoon rates on your blackout dates.

You definitely wanna use those 2 Dawn Patrol on powder weekends next year.  Be on top of that one for sure.  That is the best benefit in here.  Early ups like the pros for free.

If you’re gonna buy a pass, you might as well milk all these benefits that come with it.

If you haven’t bought a pass yet, Unofficial recommends the Silver Pass.  It’s quite a bit cheaper and only blackout dates are listed below:

CURRENT SEASON PASS PRICES:

New and renewal rates effective May 8, 2012

Big snow day in march at Squawllywood. Yep, McConkey’s was skied this day. photo: unofficial

The Sierra Sun just came out with their “Winter Wrap Up” article for 2011/12.  It’s a great article with some great numbers that we’ve displayed below.

To read the full article, please click here:  “Weather Window | Winter Wrap Up” by Mark McLaughlin

SIERRA NEVADA 2011/12 SNOW NUMBERS:

- 9 feet of snow fell in March in Tahoe

- Sierra Nevada snowpack at 40% of normal on May 1st

- 77% of normal snowpack in the Northern Sierra (Quincy) as of May 1st

- 35% of normal snowpack snowpack in the Central Sierra (Tahoe) as of May 1st

- 20% of normal snowpack in the Southern Sierra (Kings Canyon) as of May 1st

- 190% of normal snowpack in the Sierra on May 1st 2011

Weekend Squaw Powder Day

CALIFORNIA’S WATER SITUATION:

- 25 million Californians depend on Sierra snowmelt

- No water restrictions expected for California due to large snow melt last winter and large reservoir reserves

- Reservoir storage in Truckee River Basin was at 128% on May 1st

- 2011/12 was CA’s driest winter in 50-60 years

- 60+% of CA is considered abnormally dry or in a severe drought right now

Remembering the good times this winter...Big Snow on Granite Chief Peak on March 17th, 2012

DONNER SUMMIT SNOW LAB:

- 2011/12 was the 11th driest winter ever recorded

- Precipitation = 1067mm (42 inches) = 88% of average to date

- Snowfall = 818cm (322 inches) = 81% of average to date

- Snow Depth = 0cm

With ski season Unofficially Over, its time to re-arrange the hobby shed, put away those ski boots you don’t want your feet to ever be in again, break out the tank tops and dust off the summer toys.

Last week we had a bit of a cool down in temps, but with the calm winds and temps in the mid to upper 60′s, its IDEAL mountain biking weather. Today was the first official ride of the season for this slightly out of shape “mountain biker.” and wow was I quickly reminded of the old saying. “You come for the winters, but you stay for the summers…”

Rumor had it the Western States was melted out up to the wall, and from a friend, “as good as it gets.” What better ride to pay off ratio for breaking in the legs and lungs and figuring out what exactly you need to fix on your bike after a winter of it sitting in the shed?

Some additional info on local conditions, heard through rumor mill and bar talk:

Martis = Good to go. Animal = Good to go. TRT from TC to Glass Mountain = Good to the first vista, spots of snow onward. XC center outta TC = not fully melted out. Emigrant Trail = Good to go, snow in spots but no blockage. Western States = Good to go. Sloppy and blocked with snow half way up the wall, didn’t venture further… figure missing link is close but not a full go.

With steady temps, we should be prime on a lot more in the next week. We’re way ahead of where we were last year this time which is good and bad. Good for earlier riding, but get it while you can and pray for a bit of rain, otherwise go buy a new set of dust goggles…

Here is a little video teaser from todays ride. Forgive the camera angle, still working out the bugs…