Learning...the Hard Way...

[avacadotoast]

I’ve been lurking around this board for about 2 months – mainly checking for gear and getting the scoop on conditions around tahoe….just want to say that you guys really seem to spread good vibes. At times you’re a bit quick to jong, but all in all when someone offers up something cool you come through and spread the wealth. Not that my first real post here is cool but I think it’s a bit different and maybe a few will find humor….

Well I’m new out West…just move to Reno last year from back East…specifically to sk I just bought a used AT setup and went up to Mt Rose Wednesday after work and skinned for my 1st time ever…I wish I brought the camera because the views were great (everything is so green) and I hit some pretty kick-ass terrain…but I was solo so I wouldn’t have been able to get any action pics anyway. Here’s a few things I learned “the hard way” on my first day skinning…
1. Getting your gear on in 60 mph winds in a sandy parking lot is not easy!!
2. Putting skins on skis for the first time ever should not be done in a sandy parking lot with 60 mph winds (for my glue’s sake should’ve at least went up to the hill away from blowing sand, then put the skins on)!!
3. Skinning uphill straight into a head-on 60 mph wind is TOUGH!!
4. I’m not in good shape!!
5. Bombing 40+ degree trees on PERFECT creamy corn that hasn’t been touched by skis in a while is absolutely fucking awesome…even the dog loved it!!
6. Fischer Big Stix 8.6’s in a 180cm are way too pussy…I’ll use ‘em for the bc but they’re now the Mrs’ new pow skis!!
7. Skinning up a second time is harder than the first!
8. Skins don’t slide all that well going forward…and try not to forget your heels aren’t locked in (can you say human swastika)!!
9. At 7 pm the second run can be very different from the first (can you say crust)!!
10. Must get the dog some booties…the poor puppy got bloody feet on climb #2 in the crusty snow…what’s the matter with me?!
11. Skiing on crust while carrying a 70lb dog with bloody feet is not easy!!

5 things I learned today riding the bike up at Peavine….
1. Skinning for turns is much easier than mountain biking!!
2. I hate mountain biking!!
3. Learning to mountain bike in your 30s sucks!!
4. I really hate clipless pedals!!
5. Next time I ride the bike don’t forget my gloves!!!

Well, I’m hooked on the working for my turns thing…but isn’t it a bit like hitting one of the big roller coasters at six flags…and hour of torture for 60 seconds of fun?! But it’s better than a gym….and you get a sweet treat at the end….now I just need to get in a little better shape! My hand is fucking swollen and is turning blue…I think I may have a fracture in there(no lie)!!

I absolutely LOVE it out here!!

[Alioops]

Another victim.

[Arty50]

Another victim.

Heh.

Welcome to the West, Corky. Glad to hear you got some turns. I'm betting your skins didn't slide very well since the snow was probably very wet. Normally, they're great. Welcome to the world of earning your turns too. Speaking of which, be sure you take an Avy I course. ASI in Truckee offers a good one. I took it this year. http://www.alpineskills.com/

Ahhh...clipless pedals. I'll never forget my first ride with them. I had a bet with someone that I wouldn't fall. Fell over twice at low speed. It sucks at first, but you get used to them. They make long climbs so much easier. Keep at the mtb'ing too. There are some incredible trails around the Lake.

[avacadotoast]

The snow was perfect...I think I needed to get a bit lower...I momentarily forgot my heel wasn't attached...

That crash was going down something pretty steep....got one foot just before I flew over the bars..

I've been mtb-ing around the lake last Summer....to give you an idea of my level...I'm all about the emigrant trail!

[avacadotoast]

Already planned on taking an avy course...very aware of the risk...and stuck to the trees...Thanks for the info!

[Crinkle]

not bad for a retard

stick with the mtn biking it will pay off, its the best/most adreneline filled way to stay in shape in the off season. I learned to ride when i was 28. Ride with guys that are good and you will find yourself getting better in a hurry.

[Arty50]

not bad for a retard

stick with the mtn biking it will pay off, its the best/most adreneline filled way to stay in shape in the off season. I learned to ride when i was 28. Ride with guys that are good and you will find yourself getting better in a hurry.

There was actually a good article in Ski (we get it for free) about mtn biking. The exercise benefits are obvious, but equally important are the terrain recognition skills it imparts. It keeps you sharp for recognizing and dealing with varying terrain and obstacles. And it's great for balance and such.

Hopefully I didn't come off preachy in my previous post. Just wanted to throw the info out there.

[skifishbum]

1. Getting your gear on in 60 mph winds in a sandy parking lot is not easy!!
2. Putting skins on skis for the first time ever should not be done in a sandy parking lot with 60 mph winds (for my glue’s sake should’ve at least went up to the hill away from blowing sand,
7. Skinning up a second time is harder than the first!
8. Skins don’t slide all that well going forward…and try not to forget your heels aren’t locked in (can you say human swastika)!!

10. Must get the dog some booties…the poor puppy got bloody feet on climb #2 in the crusty snow…what’s the matter with me?!

Well, I’m hooked on the working for my turns thing…but isn’t it a bit like hitting one of the big roller coasters at six flags…and hour of torture for 60 seconds of fun?!

Nice post soon you will really be hooked i'm sure the dogs stoked on this.
For pooch Ruff Wear booties erganomic paw fit. For dogs on the go
Be kind to your skins and they'll be kind to you regluing= sucks
For me skinning is all about finding a groove. Some use herbal injestion, some of my bro's jam the mp3's, okay in certain sits but can be a safety issue depending on conditions and routes.
Skin skiing takes time and face plants are inevatable, even my tele freak friends w/ years of touring still go down on occasion.
Touring alone has merits and places. Unless your pup is Lassie and can bring back help, having someone to watch your back and get you out of a jam is better.
Trees can be your freinds they do help anchor snow, impact them after getting caught in a slide they can be your enemies, or tree wells when and if touring alone.
The ussual get avvy cert, read Trempers book ,wfr class etc. Here in the Wasatch we have several mountain clubs were people meet and put togather tours. Good for BC noobs.
For me Volkl's, Naxo's and Scarpa At boots is my ticket to BC boner city.
Try to enjoy the ups instead of thinking of them as a slog.
Way better female scenary at 6 flags, way better nature stoke and less idiots in BC.

[El Chupacabra]

Welcome, JONG!

Some tips that'll help you survive:

Tip # 1: Next time you go skiing, get a better dog than this:


Tip # 2: And get a better bike than this when you show up for the ride tomorrow:


Also -- don't bring your poodle to the ride.

Tip #3: Use some of this:


When you're busy in the bathroom with a pic of her:


And your hand won't look like this:



(There, was that an offensive enough introduction? )

[72Twenty]

Chup, you never cease to make me laugh.

Welcome Corky.

Wanna buy some used tele gear?

[El Chupacabra]

I can give him shit because I know him. Otherwise I wouldn't be quite as offensive.

[Buzzworthy]

Had similar problems with my Great Dane. He had to leave blood behind, as he weighs as much as I do. He HATES the boots and wont even let me put them on anymore. Sucks cause he needs the exercise with me, but Danes don't stay on top of the snow well. His feet were a mess for days.

I too am a newbie at the skin thing and I am diggin it too!

[lemon boy]

When I first got a bike with clipless I treated them fuckers just like my alpine bindings and cranked the "DIN" up on the release tension.

After one fall I actually had to untie my shoe to get out of the bike. (Right at the top of webster pass in the middle of the road)

[avacadotoast]

Thanks for all the good vibes...

...and chup absoultely hysterical – but dood dis me all you want - dis the pooch again and I WILL sick her on you!! Do you really want to mess with this (the one on the left)?!


LB – glad to hear others learn "the hard way"....It seems all of my mtb’ing friends out here withhold info in the hopes I do as many stupid things as possible.

[Samwich]

Heh, I got a bike at the start of last summer... Trek 6700 (hardtail) with clipless pedals. It was the first time I'd ever ridden clipless, and just like Lemon Boy, I cranked 'em. I was riding along the sidewalk on a busy street, not going very fast at all. I braked, came to a stop, then remembered I was riding clipless. I started falling veeeeerrry slowly, gave up trying to get my feet out of my impossibly tight pedals, and just started laughing.
I took the clipless pedals off for city riding, but as soon as I get some single track to ride, they're going right back on.

[lemon boy]

corky- we don't allow pictures of cats on this website, crop that shit out okay

Sammy- Just leave em on, the sooner you get used to them the better. Once you've ridden a bunch you won't even have to think about them (also, at least you used to be able to buy a platform to clip into them for wearing street shoes....)

[El Chupacabra]

...and chup absoultely hysterical – but dood dis me all you want - dis the pooch again and I WILL sick her on you!! Do you really want to mess with this (the one on the left)?!

What's the critter on the right? Albino Alf? Did it follow you home?

[yogachik]

what on earth is that avatar, Corky???!!

[El Chupacabra]

what on earth is that avatar, Corky???!!

That's actually a picture of him.

[Buzzworthy]

Thanks for all the good vibes...

...and chup absoultely hysterical – but dood dis me all you want - dis the pooch again and I WILL sick her on you!! Do you really want to mess with this (the one on the left)?!


LB – glad to hear others learn "the hard way"....It seems all of my mtb’ing friends out here withhold info in the hopes I do as many stupid things as possible.

What kind of dog is that? Looks a bit like my Dane from the back, but shorter legs. Nice colors. Pit?


Zanik:

[avacadotoast]

Just got a few free minutes from work and just figured out how to include quotes (I think) - want to respond to all the cool mags who enjoyed my thread!!

Hopefully I didn't come off preachy in my previous post. Just wanted to throw the info out there.

Not at all - I hope I didn't come off defensive...

Trees can be your freinds they do help anchor snow, impact them after getting caught in a slide they can be your enemies, or tree wells when and if touring alone.

I was in the Chutes in very familiar terrain...no tree wells...and the snow wasn't budging....I still went in very cautiously....and kept me eye on things...thanks for the great advice!!

Wanna buy some used tele gear?

Maybe after next season - I want another of year of killing the Sierras before I start over (still getting better too)!!

I too am a newbie at the skin thing and I am diggin it too!

Welcome!!

I took the clipless pedals off for city riding, but as soon as I get some single track to ride, they're going right back on.

What LB said - keep 'em on....I'm actually pretty used to them now...only once and a while when I'm twisted up I get stuck...

What's the critter on the right? Albino Alf? Did it follow you home?

No...that would be a bitch-ass Jack Russell that pisses on my carpet, digs holes in my yeard and chews throw pillows and baseball caps (do I sound bitter)...

Thanks again for all the good vibes...in case anyone cares, I'll be the retard with the messed up left hand at Alpine early Sat morning....with the wife...on my Machete Souls at first if it freezes up good enough (can't break my skinny ski habit)!!

[avacadotoast]

What kind of dog is that? Looks a bit like my Dane from the back, but shorter legs. Nice colors. Pit?


Zanik:

I think your dog mated with either a boxer or pit and made Jade...

...actaully other than boxer/pit (or both) not sure what else is in my pooch...she is absolutely a kick-ass dog...except she has social anxiety and attacks other dogs when she's nervous...makes bringing her out a bit of a gamble...