The last few years, PW has been one of my favorite film collections. They're always a little more innovative each year. This year was no exception, with the inclusion of cameras on remote controlled helicopters (rumored) and the night shots, it was a lot of fun. The women of PowderWhores section was great as well as the family interviews.
And their filming has gotten a lot better this year, with better camera placements, better quality footage, and some great local stops. This year they did introduce some travel to other countries, and while I like that they've grown large enough to do that it's left something to be desired. One of the features of PW that I've always enjoyed before was the fact that these were simply guys going out their front door, or a friends front door, and finding some absolutely amazing places to ski. It was bound to expand beyond that. These are guys who are in extremely good shape, looking for bigger challenges, and well Patagonia and Alaska will provide those. But I hope they continue to focus on their local back country fun.
Monday, November 2, 2009
MSP In Deep review
Had the opportunity to catch the In Deep presentation as it rolled through town. First off, musical selection... an interesting mix of sounds from all over the place. Some was expected, talking about Sean Pettit and showing his riding to the "Teenage Wasteland"... regardless of the musical selection cheese factor, Sean's got some great riding. Hopefully he'll take care of those knees and keep showing up for years to come. I also have not been in a theater where Phil Collins "In the Air Tonight" drum ramp up has been air drummed by so many in the crowd. It was rather comical.
Footage wise, I liked that they focused less on the park and pipes this year and more on the big mountains. Actually they even focused more on people finding some naturally fun areas to play on in the snow. That was pretty great to see honestly.
The tribute to Shane was hard to watch. I laughed seeing all the moments from MSP films in the past and what I felt were just a collection of candid cutting room floor bits as well. I was really impressed at the amount of video they decided to use from final filming trip. I was also glad to see it was tastefully cut at the right moment. It was a little hard to hear TJ talk about the event, and it was clear that he when recording he was still having some difficulty with the events.
The closing Piano Man looked like it was a lot of fun to film.
All in all, I wouldn't say this is their best film, but it clearly does come together very well.
Footage wise, I liked that they focused less on the park and pipes this year and more on the big mountains. Actually they even focused more on people finding some naturally fun areas to play on in the snow. That was pretty great to see honestly.
The tribute to Shane was hard to watch. I laughed seeing all the moments from MSP films in the past and what I felt were just a collection of candid cutting room floor bits as well. I was really impressed at the amount of video they decided to use from final filming trip. I was also glad to see it was tastefully cut at the right moment. It was a little hard to hear TJ talk about the event, and it was clear that he when recording he was still having some difficulty with the events.
The closing Piano Man looked like it was a lot of fun to film.
All in all, I wouldn't say this is their best film, but it clearly does come together very well.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Cycling Food: Power Bar
I've been doing a lot of cycling again this summer, mostly longer distance. Part of doing that kind of riding is learning what does and does not work as far as nutrition and things to eat while riding. Last season I spent a lot of time with peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, nuts, fruits, and salty lemonade. This season I've decided to try the other side, pre-made energy foods. In an effort to help me remember them I've decided to make some posts about them.
I remember the first time I had a Power Bar several years ago. I was convinced the "power" gained from it was lost in the process of chewing and trying to remove bits from your teeth. Then I discovered what happened to the bars when they got just a little bit cold. Outside of the "chocolate" flavor, I couldn't stand the taste of the bars. It felt like I was eating sand.
Since then a lot has changed in both Power Bars and myself. For one, I've learned not to let the things get cold... ever. In fact, keeping them warmer has made the eating prospects a lot better for me, so on the back or under a spandex leg they go. Power Bar has also introduced their "Energize" series of bars with flavors like Creamy Citrus Fruit, Berry Blast Fruit Smoothie, and Tangy Tropical.
I'm finding myself for the first time actually enjoying the flavors of Power Bar. The Berry Blast (pictured) and Tangy Tropical tend to be my preferred bars for a ride. They haven't quite figured out how to remove the sand texture of the bar, but the tangy clearly helps remove some of the harshness of it.
Does it work? I don't know, when riding I feel like I could eat 9 of these and still feel hungry.
I remember the first time I had a Power Bar several years ago. I was convinced the "power" gained from it was lost in the process of chewing and trying to remove bits from your teeth. Then I discovered what happened to the bars when they got just a little bit cold. Outside of the "chocolate" flavor, I couldn't stand the taste of the bars. It felt like I was eating sand.
Since then a lot has changed in both Power Bars and myself. For one, I've learned not to let the things get cold... ever. In fact, keeping them warmer has made the eating prospects a lot better for me, so on the back or under a spandex leg they go. Power Bar has also introduced their "Energize" series of bars with flavors like Creamy Citrus Fruit, Berry Blast Fruit Smoothie, and Tangy Tropical.
I'm finding myself for the first time actually enjoying the flavors of Power Bar. The Berry Blast (pictured) and Tangy Tropical tend to be my preferred bars for a ride. They haven't quite figured out how to remove the sand texture of the bar, but the tangy clearly helps remove some of the harshness of it.
Does it work? I don't know, when riding I feel like I could eat 9 of these and still feel hungry.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
2009 Ski Trailer Season
It's here.... and I don't have to do any work to find them this year! Thanks SkiFilmReviews.com, you're the best!
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Summer Time
Yes indeed, it's summer time. I've been spending a lot more time outside, and less on the computer. This is a good scenario in my opinion, but it has left this blog a little quiet. Worry not it will be back to active status.... soon. Especially given the recent news of: snow porn trailers!
That's right, I've found two already and I didn't even go looking for them. They kind of found me.
Teton Gravity Research's Re: Session
Matchstick Productions - In Deep
Looks so far like the trick this season we'll see on the slopes is a hand-plant/drag off a kicker of some kind. I can only imagine the cost of fixing that afterwards... I sound old.
That's right, I've found two already and I didn't even go looking for them. They kind of found me.
Teton Gravity Research's Re: Session
Matchstick Productions - In Deep
Looks so far like the trick this season we'll see on the slopes is a hand-plant/drag off a kicker of some kind. I can only imagine the cost of fixing that afterwards... I sound old.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Spring Corn
While resorts around the country start shutting down operations, the seasonal change tends to bring out the hardcore outdoor enthusiasts. For example, now is when you will see plenty more people hiking up the mountain to enjoy a run down.
Over the weekend I joined a few folks doing just this. There was some early practice on self arresting if needed, a lot of hiking, a bit of cursing, a short break on top, and then 4 minutes of pure downhill bliss. Not a single person on the groomers, and having first tracks at noon was kind of a thrill. Too bad about the sunburn though, my face has some awful goggle burn going on. Need to remember to re-apply on the bluebird spring days.
Over the weekend I joined a few folks doing just this. There was some early practice on self arresting if needed, a lot of hiking, a bit of cursing, a short break on top, and then 4 minutes of pure downhill bliss. Not a single person on the groomers, and having first tracks at noon was kind of a thrill. Too bad about the sunburn though, my face has some awful goggle burn going on. Need to remember to re-apply on the bluebird spring days.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Season Ending
The economy slow down is now hitting the ski school. We had a long discussion this past week regarding the current state of the school with the owner/manager. End result, I took an option to end my season early and switch over to my spring/summer activities. Oddly enough the weekend after doing this, I received a phone call asking me to come in due to an overwhelming number of students. Sadly this call came on the same day as a huge dump of snow (8" of fresh), which means my phone was unable to be answered. Go figure.
For those who haven't been out there yet, go get the slopes now as they are quite nice.
For those who haven't been out there yet, go get the slopes now as they are quite nice.
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