Friday, May 13, 2011

Gear Review: EMS Mountain Light -20F Sleeping Bag


Did you ever have a “binky” growing up: a tattered old blanket that you turned to for safety and security when your Momma wasn’t around?  Well, I had one. Until it mysteriously went missing one day. (I know it was you, Mom.)  As it turns out, binkies aren’t just for toddlers. 

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Gear Review: Sea to Summit Reactor Bag Liner


The first thing you are going to say when you pull one of these out of its stuff sacks is, “No frickin way”… as in, “There is no frickin way this is going to add any warmth to my sleeping bag.” 

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

-Trip Report- Gulf of Slides: The Sideshow (April 30 - May 1, 2011)


Spring skiing at its best.
Mt. Washington can resemble a Spring circus.  The crowds gather for an annual festival that marks the end of the ski season.  Some people enjoy the show under the big tent: lions, clowns and of course, those candy peanuts.  But the main event isn't the only show in town.  Somewhere near the big tent sits the sideshow: a mystery tent with freaks, thrills and otherworldly experiences waiting to be discovered.  While the sideshow lacks the pomp and circumstance of the main tent, it can still blow your mind.

Friday, April 22, 2011

Basket Pedals Are THE DEVIL!

Just looking at this thing makes me cringe.

Buying mountain bike pedals is a lot like biking a difficult downhill line.  You need to commit, and commit hard, or it's going to eat you up and spit you out.

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

April is Alive


Can you think of another month with as much going on as April?  After all, April sees the  beginning of the baseball season, basketball and hockey playoffs, Patriot’s Day and of course the Boston Marathon.  Unfortunately, I usually don’t get to witness any of these national holidays.  That’s because April also happens to be the one time of year that I can engage my two favorite pastimes: skiing and mountain biking.  And I’ll be damned if I’m going to plant my ass on the couch just so I can tell you if Beckett’s fastball has lost its pop. 

Sunday, April 10, 2011

-Trip Report- Osceola Slide: Bushwhacked (April 2011)

Osceola slide (first slide on the left)
I don't think anybody has ever been gang raped by an evergreen thicket, but after my bushwhack to the Osceola Slide I have an idea of what it might be like.