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My Gear
From time to time, I’ll bore you with meaningless pedantry about my various raging exploits - whether it be a week of snowboarding in Tahoe, or a wicked kayak ride locally. So for mere self-gratification, and also to let you know how much better you are, I’m gonna give you the dets on my gear:
My Stick:
I ride a Never Summer snowboard. Specifically, it is a 163cm Legacy (wide). This board has exceeded my every expectation. There is no chatter, it is tremendously responsive, it destroys groomers, hardpack, and cuts through ice like a hot knife through butter. When I’m fortunate enough to be graced with the freshies, it’s length and girth assures that I float effortlessly on top of the gnar. It’s not built for amateurs, but it’s well worth the money.
I’m considering getting a new board from another micro-boardshop, probably an Arbor. Comment with suggestions, if you will.
My planks:
I have only skied sparingly in the last 7 or 8 years, but I bought a pair on eBay this winter because I couldn’t pass up the deal. So I’ve got a pair of Salomon 1080s, 185cm. I need to remount some good bindings on them before I provide further comment.
My horse:
I bought my mountain bike circa 1995. For 1/3 the money I spent then, I could get twice the bike I have. Except, I periodically put a shload of money into the thing - like titanium-springed front suspension by Manitou, or K.O.R.E. clipless pedals. My aged Shimano componentry was partially fubared last spring, but since I’m 8 years behind the times, I couldn’t upgrade to comparable components without incurring significant costs. So my bike is a frankenstein. It’s a 1995 GT Karakoram. I’ve got an old Manitou FS Ti front suspension fork. Most of the drivetrain is Shimano LX or XT, except for the front shifter, which is Shimano department store stock due to the paradigm shift from 18 speed to 24 speed. Whod’ve thunk that 8 years could make such a difference?
My Ride:
I am currently leasing a 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Because of the wicked discounts, even factoring in 27 monthly lease payments, if I decide to purchase it at the end of the contract, it will cost me less than if I had decided to buy it outright.
My Threads:
I’m not a fashion guru - I hate the kids who have the latest gear “in style” but who can’t make their way down the mountain without yard-sailing hither and thither. I go for a nice blend of form & function - but I’m also price conscious. I want the best gear I can get for my money - which is not necessarily what Shaun White is rocking. Bib overalls are best for snowboarding - you will *never* get snow in your crack with bibs. Plus they have sick pockets everywhere. Get a functional lightweight, windproof vest - like Marmot or North Face. This can be used to layer when it’s cold. Your top layer should be a shell. Mine was a closeout Timberland from an outlet store - retails at $279, I got it for $79. I’m also a bargain-hunter. You also need some skivs, I like UnderArmour, but I will settle for the Russell or Adidas or whatever equivalent to save a few bucks. Layers = warmth.
When I bike, I just wear some compression shorts, with a t-shirt & cargo shorts, or a t-shirt & gym shorts. I am not a racer, and I don’t pretend to be one. I do not need to spend $60 on a pair of Answer shorts. If you bike, you need gloves. I prefer full-fingered gloves, but most people like fingerless gloves. But honestly, how many times do you really feel the need to pick your nose on the switchbacks? Never.
Whatever your gravity-fetish, you should get a helmet. For some reason, it took me 10 years before I got a helmet for snowboarding - even though I haven’t gone biking without one since before I could drive. But the principle is the same. You’re going fast, between trees, which don’t forgive your frontal lobe. Sack up. Plus, most ski/snowboard helmets are now mp3/iPod compatible, which gives you a soundtrack. If you bike without a helmet, you are asking for a concussion. You don’t want one. Buy a brain bucket, and save yourself the medical bills.
Don’t be a pussy. Ride hard, all day, every day. When you feel tired, call it a day - injuries happen when you’re riding nothing but adrenaline and kodak courage.
Shred safe, whatever you choose to shred. And drop a line for any tips & suggestions.