Selling A Friend

My living arrangement is small. Very small. As it stands, there is very little room within it for myself, my toys, and the few spartan bits of furniture I have within. Partially because I cannot afford the next step up, partially because I spend too much on outdoors equipment and gear, but mostly because I spend so little time indoors I don't see a reason to be extravagant.

It's with great sadness that I've had to sell a best friend recently. My Cannondale R1000 is now in the hands of another. It felt weird to sell it. I've traveled through large portions of the roadways with it and will always have a fond spot in my heart for it. But room was needed for my new toy... Lemond Chambery. A sweet carbon/aluminum frame on a bike long enough for me.

Next step, to work on those mountain climbs...

Camera fun time

Recently found online from The Independent Woman, a nice spoof on ski films and what not titled "Blood Bath Gulch". It made me laugh, check it out:



Considering she's drinking National Bohemian in one of her other videos, my guess is she's somewhere near Baltimore Maryland.

Banff Mountain Culture

Every year Banff Canada puts on a mountain life festival, usually around the end of October and beginning of November. The point of the festival is to, well, highlight the mountain and outdoor culture that exists through various means. One of my favorite outcomes from the entire process is the film festival World Tour and the Radical Reels sections. Probably because those are the few bits of the festival that I actually get to see since they tour around the US for our viewing pleasure (and a few brief moments of giggling at the Canadian accents).

Highlights for me this year from the World Tour:

• Aweberg - Nothing prepares you for the sound as these guys try to climb icebergs. The sheer crack heard not only sounds vaguely like bones breaking, it also instinctively signals to your brain "get off".


• Teton Gravity Research - These folks consistently put out amazing quality videos. Great locations, some tightly tied in musical selections, and pushing the "being there" feel of snow pr0n. Hey TGR if you're ever looking for some help shooting, let me know!


• Asimet - Although I thought this one was a bit long, the actual story telling mechanism was brilliant and the trip itself outstanding. Although I kind of wish they included more of the inter-personal fights that I'm sure occurred at many points.

I've often thought of putting together a submission, and each year I never get around to actually making a full video. The Mountain Festival World Tour is essentially done now, but the Radical Reels will start up later this fall. I high suggest checking it out when it comes through town.

Ullr

Somehow I missed this contest, but the fine folks over at Frequency didn't.

The contest: If Ullr Was A Girl
The prize? Eh, some money, but pure bragging rights for a summer season. Maybe Whistler should tie in an offer of first chair next season to the winner. Anyhow, the event is over, but the site is still up. Worth keeping note for the end of next season!

Level 3 and Beyond

I received a short but sweet mass email last week from a good friend of mine and former co-instructor. The big detail in it she mentions, passing her AASI Level III exam and being told that she and another girl in the exam were probably #59 and #60 female Level III snowboard instructors. Congratulations are in order for Carolyn and getting that far.

Next on her agenda is the free style list, followed by heading for a DCL position. Yikes, she's got ambition.