Working on this issue of OTM was painful. Not because the writing, editing, and other work was especially hard. No, I learned that writing about so many cool summer adventures – ones I’ve been dreaming about for far too long and others I haven’t had time for in years – while being stuck behind a […]
So Many Summer Trips, So Little Time Read More »
I don’t remember when I started smoking, but I remember when I quit. I also don’t remember when I started riding a bike to work, but it’s the best addiction I’ve ever had, and I’m not about to stop. I get two fixes five days a week. If you’ve ever wanted to give cycling to
Bike to Work Week: Events Around the Inland NW Read More »
For all of its 37 years, a special group of men and women has held Spokane’s 7.46 mile Lilac Bloomsday Run sacred. Since 1996, a Bloomsday tradition has been to honor these perennials—now 99 people strong—who have completed every race since its inception. Without fail, despite significant personal hardships and challenges, and because of their
One Race, 37 Years: Meet the Bloomsday Perennials Read More »
Bicycle road racing can be just as much fun as it can be discouraging. How so? Going fast is fun, but going fast while everyone else is going faster can be dispiriting. The trick, at least from this beginner’s point of view, is to “get your mind right” and focus on the fun. There are
Road Bike Race Roundup Read More »
Winding through stands of giant ponderosa pines while pebbles and mud scatter in your wake. Gliding over slick rocks as your bike responds to each element of the trail. Bombing aggressively through canyons as you navigate smooth, narrow singletrack. Sound familiar? Yes folks, it’s that time of year again; time when we emerge from our
SPRING FEVER: Tune Up Your Spring Ride: New Trails, Training Tips, and Events Read More »
Last summer, the FBC held its final ride, and I wrote that I looked forward to riding with whoever tried to fill the space left by its departure. A couple of groups started up in August. One of them is called The Swamp Ride. Bradley Baysinger, the nominal leader, said he wanted to keep a
The Swamp Ride Strikes Back Read More »
Pend Oreille County is a wild and beautiful corner of Washington with some of the most diverse wildlife of anywhere in the Northwest. Iconic critters like grizzly bears, wolverine, moose, wolves, and although rare, even caribou roam the scenic, rugged mountains less than two hours north of Spokane. But come this time of year, the
Pend Oreille Swan Festival: Witness the Winged Migration in Your Back Yard Read More »
Red Mountain in Rossland, BC has always had a cult-like following of diehard Spokane area skiers who happily drive the extra miles to worship at its prolific powder dumps. At around 2.5 hours north of Spokane, Red is definitely in the semi-reasonable daytrip range from Spokane. Of course staying a night or three up in
Red Mountain Revealed Read More »
Before winter is over, take a break from the thrills of the slopes and spend some time exploring a few great snowshoeing areas in the winter wonderland of North Idaho. While lower elevations often get more rain than snow, or little to no precipitation at all, there is always enough snow in the mountains this
North Idaho Snowshoeing Guide: Find Your Freedom in the Hills this Winter Read More »
I’ll be honest. I didn’t even know where Whitefish was when I considered going there. Somewhere on the Montana side of the border for this geographically inept traveler. I live on a scale of forestry maps, apparently. But on a Friday night, with my Outback loaded full of ski gear, almonds, and a weekend staple
Whitefish in a Weekend: One More Place I Want to Live Read More »
