UltraRob's Adventures

Barr Trail Makes "Dangerous" List

2009-11-09T08:33:00.019-07:00

In its most recent issue, Backpacker magazine lists “The Ten Most Dangerous Hikes in America.” Some of the entries aren’t surprising: the brutally hot Bright Angel in the Grand Canyon, the well-named Maze in Utah.

The list also includes Barr Trail. For those who are constantly frustrated by the bad rap Barr often gets – “it’s a sidewalk;” “it’s among the easiest 14er hikes” – the idea that Barr is really a badass might be good news.

But lightning is the dangerous reason Barr made the list, and it’s always been a component in any hike on Pikes Peak.

My scariest hike on Barr occurred a few years ago during an early September thunder/snowstorm. I was leading a group of friends, all first-timers to the trail, from the summit back down to Barr Camp where we had booked the guest cabin for the night.

Storms weren’t forecast, and skies were uniformly gray when we left the summit, but about two miles down, it started snowing and thundering. When one of my friends asked innocently, “why are the (metal) trail signs humming?” I knew we were in trouble. We spread out and kept moving downhill and made it to the cabin unscathed. (That hike is forever known by my clever friends as “the day Deb tried to kill us.”)

Turns out we did a couple of things right – we started in the morning, when there is (usually) a lower risk of storms, and we spread out when the storm started. But when you’re above tree line on Pikes Peak in a lightning storm, it’s nearly impossible to make yourself follow the other conventional lightning safety tips: take off your pack and move away from it; crouch down and balance on the balls of your feet.

Instead, the impulse is to flee, which takes a while on Barr (unless you’re Matt Carpenter).

- Deb Acord

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Race Across the Sky Encore this Week

2009-11-08T22:24:00.001-07:00

The Race Across the Sky movie about the Leadville 100 mountain bike race was sold out at many theaters for it's one night showing a few weeks ago. Due to it's popularity, it's being shown again this Thursday, November 12th. I enjoyed and you can read my Race Across the Sky review to find out more.

You can enter your zip code to find a location and purchase tickets or view a complete list of theaters showing Race Across the Sky encore. If you missed the first showing, I recommend you go see this one.

- UltraRob

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Spooky Bike Criterium

2009-11-06T07:33:00.024-07:00

Local mountain Pro Matt Simmons with his wife.
Photo courtesy of www.wmbacos.org

I had planned to go over to the Halloween Costume bike criterium put on by the Women's Mountain Bike Association of Colorado Springs last Saturday. I didn't manage to make it over to it though.

It looks like I missed a fun event. For more funny and/or scary photos, check out more Halloween costume photos from WMBA. Also head over to Matt Simmon's Halloween crit write up. He's a local Pro on the the Pro Cycling mountain bike team.

- UltraRob

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Fewer Hikers, Fewer Conservation dollars?

2009-11-05T07:33:00.016-07:00

Recent studies have shown a decrease in strenuous outdoor nature recreation activities such as hiking and backpacking. To someone who prefers uncrowded trails, that might sound like a good thing, but a recent study in PloS One, a research report site, shows that decline might have a negative impact on conservation groups.

The study, conducted by Oliver Pegams, visiting research assistant professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago, Patricia Zaradic, director of the Red Rock Institute in Pennsylvania and Peter Kareiva, chief scientist for The Nature Conservancy, showed that “the type and timing of nature experience may determine future conservation investment.”

The study showed that people who spend their time hiking or backpacking often increase their conservation contributions more than a decade later. According to the study, that translates to $200 to $300 annually per person in future contributions.

- Deb Acord

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Is a Roundabout Needed on a Bike Path?

2009-11-04T07:33:00.004-07:00

I don't understand the popularity of roundabouts. It seems they've been showing up all over the place the last few years.

I understand the concept and how they should help keep traffic flowing through an intersection. The problem is too many people don't understand how to use them. All it takes is one person to cause major problems.

I guess the Colorado Springs Park and Rec department decided that bicyclists need to be included in the trend. This year they put in a roundabout on the Pikes Peak Greenway Trail near downtown. It's at the intersection of the Greenway Trail and the Midland Trail across from the America the Beautiful Park.

From the Greenway Trail, it was hard to see if anyone was coming from the west on the Midland Trail. The way they cut into the bank to put in the roundabout would have fixed that problem.

The city has been threatening to cut bus service and other essentials services if voters didn't vote for tripling city property taxes. Not surprisingly voters defeated the tax increase by nearly 2-1 yesterday. We may just need the roundabout on the bike path.

- UltraRob

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Eating Well - Even in the Winter

2009-11-03T07:33:00.007-07:00

In the 1952 “Your Own Book of Campcraft,” author Catherine T. Hammett enthused about the “new trick” in outdoor cookery – aluminum foil. Today, foil is still a great way to cook if you have a campfire. At home, create meals in foil packets and freeze them. At camp, build a small campfire and bury the packets in the hot coals until they are hot and steamy. Try these combinations: Sausage, peppers and potatoes; stew meat, potatoes and carrots; chicken breasts, Japanese vegetable mix and rice. (Works best to cook the meat at home and freeze it before you pack it up.) When you leave your campsite, don’t forget to take the foil with you.

For camping trips where you don’t have to carry your gear on your back, Jack Daniels from REI’s Denver flagship store says the classic double-burner Coleman stoves are still popular and perfect for those elaborate pancake breakfasts. For backpacking, the newest compact stoves, some practically pocket-sized, are perfect for one-pot meals.

“The iso-butane self-contained stoves and cartridges are a big trend,” Daniels says. “You just screw the fuel cartridge onto the stove, turn it on, light it, and you’re ready to go.”

Not sure what kind of stove you need? REI offers these guidelines:

Think about the kinds of trips you’re planning, and choose the lightest, most compact stove for your particular needs. How many people will you be feeding? What will the air temperature be where you are going? How elaborate will your meals be? Will you need more than one burner at a time?
Look for these features: stoves you can disconnect from the fuel source (easier to store, harder to break); stoves that fold up or collapse; and stoves that can fit inside your cookware to save space.
Choose your fuel.
- Butane, propane or isobutane blend canisters are convenient, easy to light and burn cleanly. Downside – they are more expensive than other fuel types; you have canisters to throw away and they are not readily recyclable; they aren’t as effective at low temperatures.
- Kerosene is inexpensive and easy to find, but it can burn dirty and it’s smelly. Downside: Priming is required.
- White gas, also inexpensive, is easy to find and burns cleanly. Downside: It can be volatile if it’s spilled and it requires priming.
- Denatured alcohol is a renewable resource that burns very quietly. Downside: It doesn’t put out as much heat as other fuels so it increases cooking times.
- Unleaded gas is relatively inexpensive and easy to find. Downside: A dirty fuel, it can clog your stove and it’s extremely volatile.
- Multi-fuel stoves do just what their name implies – they are engineered to burn more than one kind of fuel. Downside: they cost more than single-fuel models and can be hard to maintain.
Decide what’s important for your backpacking or camping needs – average boiling time, efficiency of the stove, and burn time at maximum flame.

How to improve the performance of your stove, from REI:

Invest in a heat exchanger (a corrugated metal wind screen that wraps around your pot).
Use alcohol to prime your stove.
Clean your stove and maintain it at home before you head out.
Pour your liquid fuel through a coffee filter.

- Deb Acord

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Primus Gravity Multifuel Stove

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Sand and Rock

2009-11-02T07:33:00.000-07:00

Every year about this time, when the mountain scenery fades from green to brown, I’m drawn to a different kind of terrain – dusty high deserts, rocky canyons, shifting sand dunes.

Fall and winter are the best times to visit these places and you’ll often have them to yourselves. Here are three of my favorites close to Colorado Springs – Paint Mines Interpretive Park, which is nearby; the Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, which can be done on a long day trip, and Hovenweep National Monument, which can be part of a longer road trip that also includes Mesa Verde National Park.

Paint Mines Interpretive Park, part of the El Paso County parks system, is unlike any other park in the region. To get there, take U.S. Highway 24 east to Calhan; drive south on Yoder Road/Calhan Highway; east on Pain Mine Road, and follow the signs. The park is named for the hoodoos and spires capped in sandstone (pictured) and “painted” with clays. It’s a small park – 750 acres with four miles of trails – but you’ll want to linger and explore the maze of rock formations.
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve near Mosca has the tallest dunes in North America, set dramatically against a backdrop of the Sangre de Cristos. In the summer, the dunes are crawling with visitors. In the winter, we’ve had the park all to ourselves.
Hovenweep National Monument near Cortez and Blanding, Utah. Mysterious rock towers and petroglyphs dot the high desert here; remnants of a culture 10,000 years old.

- Deb Acord

Asolo TPS 520 GV Boots Mens

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Asolo Hiking Boots FSN 85 For Men

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Asolo FSN 85 Hiking Boots For Women

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More Free Skiing

2009-10-30T07:33:00.000-06:00

If you’re a Winter Park fan, check this out: The resort is offering free lift tickets from its opening day, Nov. 18, to Christmas Day, and will hand over the tickets when guests book a minimum of two nights of lodging during that time.

Check out the “Ski Free at Winter Park” lodging package at www.playwinterpark.com or call 800-979-9874.

- Deb Acord

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Skiing Tip - Keep It In Your Pants

2009-10-28T07:33:00.007-06:00

You might think you know all the tips that make a better skier, but do you know where to stow your PB&J so it doesn’t get squished before lunchtime?
Skiing magazine includes this valuable bit of info in “Tips, Tricks, and Advice.”

About that sandwich? Don’t stuff into into your jacket pocket. Instead, keep it safe in your pants. “Unzip the outer thigh vent and slip your sandwich behind your knee so it drops to your calf,” the article says. Your gaiter will prevent it from falling out and from getting flattened.

Other valuable tips from Skiing mag?

Protect your shins by wedging a neoprene beer cozy between your leg and the front of your boot before you tighten the straps.
Freshen your stinky ski boots after a long day by placing dryer sheets in them.
After a fall that packs your ski goggles, suck the snow out of the front lens before it can melt. Once the vents are clear, dry them with something soft.

For more unconventional tips, check out Skiing magazine

- Deb Acord

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Mens Spyder CR Pants

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Named Best Local Outdoor Blog by Colorado Springs Independent

2009-10-27T07:33:00.050-06:00

As I do most weeks, I picked up the latest Colorado Springs Independent which is their Best Of volume two. It's been laying on my desk at work waiting for me to have a chance to take a short break to scan for something interesting. Work has been so busy that I hadn't taken the time to look past the cover.

Imagine my surprise yesterday when Deb Acord emailed me today that this blog had been named Best Local Outdoor Blog. Of course Deb has been writing great posts for the last couple months and she shares in this recognition and deserves a big thanks.

I also owe a big thanks to you the readers, whether long time readers or just new. If I didn't know people were reading and commenting, I probably would have quit blogging a long time ago. It's changed a lot from it's birth as a way to record my training for RAAM to now being a much broader cycling and outdoor blog.

If you're local, you can pick up a copy of the Indy around town and check it out in print on page 59 or you can check out the online version.

- UltraRob

Asolo Hiking Boots FSN 85 For Men

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REI Backpacker Hiking Boots Womens

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Asolo Flame GTX Hiking Boots

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Skiing with Warren

2009-10-26T07:33:00.000-06:00

Admit it – you’re getting excited about skiing. And one of the indicators of a new season is coming up – the annual Warren Miller movie. This year’s film, called “Dynasty,” is a celebration of the 60th anniversary of Warren Miller ski movies. It opened a bit over a week ago in Utah, and will hit Colorado Springs at the Pikes Peak Center Nov. 20 and 21. It features new film footage alongside gems from the past six decades of Warren Miller films. “Dynasty” is narrated by free skier Jonny Moseley; one segment features Chris Davenport and another shows monoskiers tackling last winter’s X-Games skier cross course.

To further celebrate 60 years of Warren Miller films, Ski magazine and Skiing magazine have joined with the ski industry to offer 60 days of giveaways. Every day from Oct. 1 to Dec. 1, one person will win one of 60 prizes, including skis, lift tickets and resort accommodations. The grand prize is a four-day trip for two to Snowbird, Utah. To enter, go to Skinet.com, log in and enter by answering a trivia question or performing a Facebook task.

Even if you don’t win a prize in the contest, at some Colorado locations including Colorado Springs you will “win” a free lift ticket when you buy your Warren Miller tickets. As in past years, ticketholders will get a ticket to Winter Park, Copper Mountain or Steamboat. There are various promotions at other locations across the country.

- Deb Acord

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Leadville 100 Movie - Race Across the Sky Review

2009-10-23T23:36:00.004-06:00

Last night was the showing of the Race Across the Sky which is about the 2009 Leadville 100 mountain bike race. The movie was sold out in many locations across the country. It was planned as a one night showing but because of it's popularity, there is going to be an encore on November 12th, 2009.

There were 1400 racers entered in the Leadville 100 mountain bike race with some racers taking over 12 hours to finish. That makes for lots of interesting stories to be condensed down to about an hour and a half. Not surprisingly the focus of the movie was on Lance Armstrong, Dave Wiens and a few of the other top racers.

In typical Dave Wiens style, he thanked the volunteers at the top of the Columbine Climb as he went by. It was entertaining to watch Lance Armstrong trying to fix his flat late in the race. In the short panel discussion shown before and after the race, he admits he can't fix a flat to save his life. At the finish line, Dave Wiens said, "Last year Lance was just off the couch, this year he was just off the Tour de France."

Although the movie focused on the leaders, there were shots of average riders throughout the movie. Riders farther back were shown suffering as they pushed their bikes up the Columbine climb. There was an emotional scene as riders that were too slow missed the time cut-off at the Twin Lakes aid station and were forced to stop racing.

The emotional and inspirational story of Roxanne Hall was highlighted. Last year she was hit by a car while training for the Leadville 100. Her back was broken in several places and she had many other life threatening injuries. Not only did she fight back from her injuries but she raced this year.

Grace Ragland chatted briefly as she hike-a-biked up the Columbine Climb. She was diagnosed with MS 20 years ago if I remember correctly.

I saw about a a dozen racers that I know. One was Ricky McDonald. He's one of a handful of racers that have finished the Leadville 100 MTB all 16 years. We used to race shorter NORBA races together back in the '90s. He's still riding the same bike and riding in his Team Huffy Fred shirt.

Overall I thought the movie was great. It gives family and friends a glimpse into our experience that we have when we race it. Sure it doesn't give the full feeling of being there racing or crewing but it would be impossible to portray it all in a movie.

There were some complaints about the video and audio quality and the soundtrack on the Yahoo Leadville 100 list. I thought the video was plenty good although there were some water drops on the lens a couple times and occasional video shaking on the rough roads. I'm not a good judge of music. It would have to be really terrible for it to bother me. There were also some complaints about focusing too much on the leaders.

Maybe I'm not enough of a movie critic, but I enjoyed the Race Across the Sky for what it was. My biggest complaint would be that it doesn't show how steep and tough the climbs are. I was with a group of 16 people and I only heard talk about it being great and no complaints.

Don't Go to the Encore If ...

You're looking for a compelling story line
You don't want the movie to be about Lance Armstrong and Dave Wiens
You don't like to hear Bob Roll's wild descriptive phrases
You want it to be about your Leadville 100 experience
You expect Hollywood quality filming

If none of the above apply and you missed the movie last night, you should go see it on November 12th. Locations aren't listed yet but check the Race Across the Sky encore info page soon for details.

- UltraRob

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What's next? Robot Olympics?

2009-10-23T12:36:00.004-06:00

At a recent International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems, scientists presented hundreds of papers on how robotics can come into play in such diverse tasks as making energy technologies more affordable, assisting with hearing aid implantation and teaching Braille, and controlling unmanned helicopters.

That’s all important stuff, but here’s what’s really cool: A skiing robot, presented by Bojan Menec from the Jozef Stefan Institute.

The robot uses the carving ski technique, according to Menec’s abstract, and “is capable of autonomous navigating between the race gates, avoiding obstacles and maintaining a stable position during skiing on a previously unknown ski slope.”

According to CNET News, Nemec says the robot could test ski equipment or be a model for virtual-reality skiing. The robots probably won’t be clogging ski areas any time soon, although they probably could replace ski instructors.

- Deb Acord

Skiing: Key Word is "Free"

2009-10-22T08:24:00.001-06:00

One of the best things about being a fifth-grader in Colorado is the Fifth Grade Ski Passport. It has always been the best deal in Colorado, offering three free days at every one of Colorado’s ski resorts. The passport is offered by Colorado Ski Country USA, the trade umbrella for Colorado’s resorts. But last season, Vail Resorts pulled out of the Ski Country association, and the passports no longer offered free days at Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone and Arapahoe Basin.

Many parents were sad that their kids couldn’t experience the thrills of Breck's Peak 9 or the vast backcountry of Vail.

They can rejoice – Vail Resorts has created a program called School of Shred. Colorado fifth and sixth graders can get four free days of skiing or snowboarding at each of the company’s four resorts. For more information, go to Vail's pass web site.

Ski Country still offers its passports that give fifth graders three free days at their 21 member resorts. For $99, sixth graders get four free days at each of the resorts. For more information about the passport, go to Colorado Ski Country’s site.

- Deb Acord

Leadville 100 Movie This Week

2009-10-19T12:30:00.002-06:00

Race Across the Sky, the documentary about this year's Leadville 100 mountain bike race, is this Thursday at 6 PM. The movie is sold out at most theaters in Denver, Boulder and Fort Collins according to posts on the Yahoo Leadville 100 list. Here in Colorado Springs, the 3 theaters (Hollywood Theaters 14, Tinseltown and Cinemark Carefree Circle) that are showing it still show tickets available online.

For the movie trailer and more about it, see my post from a few weeks ago. If you're in the Colorado Springs area, I'm getting a group together at Hollywood Theaters 14 and you're welcome to join us. You can RSVP on Facebook. We'll try getting seats together.

- UltraRob

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Sand Creek Fall Classic 2009

2009-10-18T17:29:00.001-06:00

Yesterday was the Sand Creek Fall Classic which as far as I know was the last mountain bike race of the season in Colorado. Even though it was cold and icy last weekend, this weekend was absolutely perfect fall weather. There was bright blue sky with temperatures around 70 degrees.

I went out and shoot some photos of the end of the 11:15 start and the Pros and Category 1 (Experts) that started at 1:00 PM. The course was about a 3 mile loop and included some great singletrack. It made me wish I was racing.

The field sizes were small but that wasn't surprising with the race so late in the year. Below are a few of the photos I took. You can see more of my Sand Creek Fall Classic photos in the photo section. I plan to add another album with many more photos.

About The Shot was also out shooting photos and should have them online in a couple days. They also have a few 2010 Sand Creek Series calendars available.

Pro Men Results

Kalan Beisel
JJ Clark
Rob Sousa
Matt Simmons

- UltraRob

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Sidi Dominator 5 Mega MTB Shoe

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2009 Sidi Dominator 6 Carbon Srs Blk

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Good Gear Coupons and Deals

2009-10-15T12:26:00.004-06:00

There are a couple good coupons available for cycling and outdoor gear. The first one is from REI. You get 20% off a single item that isn't on sale with coupon code FALLDEAL and it expires 10/18/09.

You do have to be a REI member to use the coupon. Memberships are $20 and last a lifetime so you don't have to pay the fee in future years. I've been a member for many years. Being a member makes you eligible for a dividend that is normally 10% on non-sale items.

Backcountry also has a 20% off coupon. Unlike the REI coupon, there is no limit on the number of items and it can also be used for sale items. Sale items will be 20% off regular price or the sale price if it is better. Use coupon 4L0-2-2LQLP at checkout. I don't have an expiration date on it. Update: Backcountry coupon ends 10/27/09.

Backcountry coupon exclusions: Discount does not apply to gift certificates, lift tickets, Arc'teryx, Black Diamond, Burton, The North Face, Western Mountaineering, Skis, Ski Boots, Ski Bindings, Snowboards, Snowboard Boots, Snowboard Bindings, Avalanche Gear, or Aire Inflatables. If an item is already on sale you'll receive the better of the two discounts.

Of course you also never know what kinds of deals you can scare up over at Sierra Trading Post. Now you can get 15% off $100 and 20% off $150 with code ALOCTOBER9. Valid through November 4th, 2009.

Rock Creek also currently has a sale on The North Face items including new Fall styles. Many of the items are at least 20% off. Sale ends October 22nd.

- UltraRob

ATLAS 930 Snowshoes

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ATLAS 925 Snowshoes

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Atlas Run Snowshoes

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The Perfect Ski Boot?

2009-10-14T11:58:00.003-06:00

$1,295. That's the price you'll pay for the newest ski-boot technology. Billed as the world's most expensive ski boot (Dynafit and SCARPA have pricier AT/randonee boots), the Apex Sports Group's Apex boot caught my eye not because of its price, but because it promises comfort as well as control (and will help eliminate the clompy Frankenstein walk to the lifts).

The Boulder-based company's Apex looks like the offspring of a snowboard boot and ski boot, with heat-moldable walkaway inner boots paired with a 100-percent carbon-fiber outer shell. "Soft shell" ski boots have been on the scene for a while (Rossignol offered a Soft 3 which combined some snowboard boot characteristics with traditional ski boot technology, but it's not in its roster of new boots this year); none had the form and function of the Apex.

The Apex also made the October issue of Outside magazine, in an article celebrating the newest technology. Other cool new winter-ready innovations in that article: Isaora's Matrix Plaid Insulated Shirt ($229), which looks like your grandpa's old flannel but performs like a mountaineering jacket, and Alite Designs'Monarch Butterfly Chair, a two-legged (that's right - two-legged) camp chair ($59) that weighs only 18 ounces and keeps your butt off the cold ground on those winter camping trips.

- Deb Acord

Salomon X3 Lab Soft Ski Boot Mens

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Tecnica Moon Boot WE Soft Womens

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Rossignol BC X11 Boot

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When Deer Attack

2009-10-13T16:35:00.000-06:00

I've avoided deer encounters ever since last fall when an overly protective doe attempted to stomp the life out of our beagle. He was standing next to our deck, and had wandered between the deer and her fawn when she attacked him. As I ran down our back stairs, I yelled at the doe just as I would yell at an attacking dog, but that didn't even phase her. Luckily, Hunter the beagle is small, fast and loud, and we came to his defense quickly, throwing pebbles at the animal until she finally backed off.

A Florissant, CO woman wasn't quite as lucky. On Monday, 63-year-old Joan Nutt was gored by a buck at the home of her sister on County Road 31 near Florissant. Nutt's family was familiar with the deer, according to the Colorado Division of Widlife, and said it visited their property often. Nutt called the deer, attempting to pet it, but when it got close, it lowered its head and charged. A passerby helped scare off the buck, but Nutt received cuts and bruises on her hands, upper leg, stomach, hip, elbow and upper arm.

The deer was tranquilized and later euthanized, and its body was sent to a DOW wildlife health lab in Fort Collins.

DOW officials took the opportunity to remind people to remember that wildlife can always pose a threat to humans. If you encounter a deer, give it space. Don't approach it, and (does this really have to be said?) never, ever pet it.

- Deb Acord

Oakley XS Five Sunglasses Black Blue Iridium

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Oakley Livestrong Straight Jacket Sunglasses Polished Black Black Iridium

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Oakley Polarized Fives Sunglasses Black Silver Text Black Iridium

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Sound Off on Plan for Rampart Range

2009-10-12T17:50:00.000-06:00

On any given Saturday, the parking lot at Rainbow Falls off Colorado Highway 67 is packed. It's one of the most popular staging grounds in the area for one of the most popular outdoor sports in the country - motorized recreation.

ATVs and dirt bikes are two of the most popular ways to get into the forest - in some parts of Colorado last year, nearly 50 percent of the people on trails were on some kind of motorized vehicle.

And all that use has taken its toll. That's why the Pikes Peak District of the U.S. Forest Service is working on a plan to determine which roads and trails are necessary, functional and sustainable in the South Rampart area of the Pike National Forest.

The district published a motor vehicle use map in February and since then, has been gathering comments on the designated roads and trails it includes. Several public meetings have already taken place. I wrote about the past meetings in the Colorado Springs Independent in July and interviewed both motorized fans and those who want more areas closed to motorized travel.

Two more meetings are scheduled this week - 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at Woodland Park Middle School, 600 E. Kelly Road, Woodland Park, and 6-8 p.m.Thursday at the Colorado Springs Utilities Leon Young Service Center, 1521 Hancock Expressway.

Those who attend will be able to ask questions about the plan, make suggestions, and see the existing map. For more information, call 636-1602.

- Deb Acord

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2009 24 Hours of Moab Photos Day 1

2009-10-10T23:42:00.015-06:00

Unlike last year, the weather at the 24 Hours of Moab was perfect today. Of course now that it's night the temperatures have dropped.

A couple bummer's in the solo classes. Chris Eatough was here but was sick and didn't start. Defending womens champion, Jari Kirkland, crashed on the 2nd lap. She cut her knee open and had to go to the ER to get it stitched up.

Local Colorado Springs Pro Men's team from Pro Cycling have a lead over the 2nd place Hammer Nutriton team. For up to the date results go to Granny Gear's website and follow the RealTime scoring links.

I have uploaded some photos to Flickr. ~~Since the internet connection isn't very good, I'll upload the higher resolution ones to SmugMug later~~. Update: I've uploaded photos to SmugMug here. Many more photos to come. I've also uploaded the photos to the UltraRob.com fan page on Facebook.

- UltraRob

Yeti 303 RDH Bike 2009

Price: $4700.00

Yeti ARC X CX Bike 2009

Price: $2350.00

Yeti ASR 7 Bike 2009

Price: $4440.00

October Issue of Peak Region Cyclist

2009-10-09T12:42:00.021-06:00

The October issue of Peak Region Cyclist is out. It can be found in bike shops, Chipotles and other stores in southern Colorado as well as the online version.

Check out my article that gives an overview of cyclocross and a talks about a couple fast local women cross racers. I didn't talk about Kelli Emmett but she was fast at Cross Vegas with a 4th place finish. The photos with the Peak Region Cyclist article are from my Pikes Velo SuperCross race photos.

- UltraRob

Truvativ Cyclocross Ring

Price: $30.99

Salsa Bell Lap Cyclocross Bar

Price: $54.99

Crossed UP Cyclocross Build Kit

Price: $1069.00

2009 24 Hours of Moab

2009-10-09T06:33:00.036-06:00

Update: 2009 24 Hours of Moab Day 1 Photos

This weekend is the 15th annual 24 Hours of Moab. This year it is the USA Cycling 24 Hour National Championships. This should bring out a lot of the top riders both in the solo and team categories. Chris Eatough will be there but has announced he is retiring after this last race.

I've always done better and longer races but the 24 Hours of Moab in 1997 was my first ultra endurance bike race. I showed up and had never intentionally ridden at night except commuting on the bike path in college. The only bike light I had was barely bright enough to avoid sticks and junk on the bike path.

Fortunately Schwinn loaned me a set of good lights for my first 24 hour race. I was in 3rd after 12 hours. I had been sick earlier in the week and was still congested.

Soon after midnight it started snowing. With the cold, I got even more congested and had to stop riding for 7 hours. I was so congested I had to stay sitting up to breathe. Even then I'd start choking if I feel asleep. Once it warmed up, I went out and rode another 2 laps to finish 8th.

Since then I've raced the 24 Hours of Moab 3 more times solo. Like last year, I'll be back this year but shooting photos instead of racing. Depending on the internet access I can get out in the desert, I'll be posting updates here and/or to twitter.

- UltraRob

Related Links

Yeti 303 RDH Bike 2009

Price: $4700.00

Yeti ARC X CX Bike 2009

Price: $2350.00

Yeti ASR 7 Bike 2009

Price: $4440.00

One More Pikes Peak Region Mountain Bike Race

2009-10-08T05:33:00.006-06:00

Even though the 2009 cyclocross season is in full swing, mountain bike racing isn't quite over in the Pikes Peak region. But first I let something sneak up without posting about it.

About the Shot Photography has Sand Creek Series 2010 calendar. Order deadline is October 8th which is today, Thursday. The calendar is $17.50. The calendar can be picked up at the October 17th race.

The Sand Creek Fall Classic mountain bike race is October 17th in Palmer Park. The Carmichael Training Systems Sand Creek Series is finished so it's not part of the series. You can view the race flyer here. The pre-entry deadline is Thursday, October 15th.

The course hasn't been finalized yet but will be in the northeast part of the park and around Lazy Land. It is expected to be about 2.5 miles. If it's where I think it is there should be a little technical coming off the ridge not far from the dog park. There'll also be some open power sections too.

~~Once the course is finalized, I'll try getting the info posted here.~~ The course map is now on the Sand Creek Sports site. It looks like it'll be a good classic of some easier trails and least a bit of technical.

Other Sand Creek News

The UCI Pro XCT race will be back in 2010 ~~and will carry more UCI points~~. Correction: The Pro XCT race will be once again be a category 3 UCI race. Andy was asked to put on a category 2 but didn't think he had the budget.

The Sand Creek Pro XCT 2010 dates are July 10 & 11 and will be the Pro XCT Series Final race as well as the final National XC Championship Qualification Race. The XC National Championships are the following weekend in Granby, CO at the Sol Vista ski area.

I haven't heard any details on the Sand Creek Series for 2010 but from what I've heard, I expect it'll be back with at least as many races as this year.

Related Links

- UltraRob

Fox Shox 32 F80 Fork 09

Price: $705.00

Fox Shox 32 F120 Fork 09

Price: $665.00

Fox Shox 32 Talas Fork 09

Price: $529.99

Call in Sick, 2009 Ski Season is Here

2009-10-06T19:37:00.000-06:00

Photo Courtesy Loveland Ski Area

Wow! Some of the aspens in my yard haven't even turned to gold yet, and I can go skiing?!

Loveland Ski Area announced today that its opening day will be the earliest in 40 years - tomorrow (Wednesday). Chair 1 will start moving at 9 a.m. at Loveland and skiers will have top-to-bottom access. Arapahoe Basin said it would open at 9 a.m. on Friday, the earliest day in that ski area's history.

- Deb Acord

DaKine Chuck Ski or Snowboard Hat Red

Price: $29.95

DAKINE Freestyle Snowboard Bag

Regular Price: $49.95
$29.97 on sale

Dakine Tour Snowboard Bag

Regular Price: $69.00
$34.93 on sale