Northwest Recreation

Now that November is rolling around, you are definitely going to want to bring everything that might rust or be subject to the elements inside.  As a general rule, these will include metal things that move, mechanical objects, and seasonal objects.  Some of these may include, but are not limited to:

1. Bicycles
2. Boats (covers work OK, too)
3. ATVs/ORVs
4. Rubber rafts, Canoes, and Kayaks
5. etc, etc

Bringing things inside will make them last a lot longer, saving you time and money in the end.  There is nothing like heading out to an ATV and realizing that your chain is rusted because you didn’t lube it or bring it inside for the winter.  Here in the Pacific N.W., that’s vital!

Even though fall is here, if you are like me, you don’t stop mountain biking for anything.  You might even be crazy enough to ride on the road 8 miles just to get to that favorite trail.  Well I do, but there are some important things to remember when riding on the road or in an area where heightened safety is needed.  Here are some tips for safety on a bike:

• Where a helmet!  The bottom line is, it could save your life.
• Use correct hand signals when turning:  This is especially true on the road.
• Use reflectors or lights.  If you don’t, then refuse to ride at night.  Also check local and state laws, too.
• Don’t go without a plan: Tell someone you are going, when you will be back, and where you are going.  This is vital for safety measures.

Remember folks, prevention is the best cure, but when all else fails, be prepared!  Happy riding to you all!

If you live in eastern Washington, eastern Oregon, or Idaho, you know all about these things.  Comprised of two or more nasty thorns almost always sticking mysteriously up, these suckers can pack a punch to just about any tire, bare feet, and even feet with shoes on.

Although there is not an effective way to get rid of them, if you do anything outdoors, there are a few good pointers to keep in mind to save your tires and feet from getting punctures from the proverbial hellish fiends. Even if you aren’t in an outdoor sport, even riding around the street on your bike can be a problem, so listen up.

• Use slime and liners in your bike tires.  These help a lot with the little thorns that cause so much damage in so short of time.
• Wear boots.  Don’t go with flip flops out anywhere in the foothills or mountains.  Even fields and open patches of road can harbor these nasty plants.
• Carry patch kits and spare tubes.  Whether for your bike or your ATV or ORV, carry them with you.
  You won’t regret it.
• Carry a first-aid kit.  When all else fails, carry a first-aid kit.  After having one of these guys in your foot, you won’t regret having one in your back pack to help treat nasty wounds that might be inflicted on you.

In general, try to avoid these plants, but when all else fails, be prepared!

Mountain biking is an adrenaline laced sport, but at the end of the day (or week!), it’s nice to try something new.  If you don’t mind switching out dirt for cement, you may actually have more options to explore.  If you like mountain biking, here are some new things you can try to build your skill:

• Stairs rides:  They’re hard, but by learning to take on stairs on your bike, you’ll gain valuable skill in technical aspects of a trail.  Start with two or three, and then work your way up to bigger flights of stairs.
• Curb riding:  If you have a safe place away from the public to do so, then try riding only on the curb (about 4 inches wide).  This will increase your ability to work with logs and log rides on the trail.
• Stair jumps:  A bit extreme if you don’t know how to jump well, try flying off small flights of stairs (1-3 steps), then work up to larger flights.  Go for the smoothest and most balanced landing before working up.

Again, cement is harder, so be careful if you choose to practice some of these.  And make sure that where ever you practice them, there are no rules against it.  Good luck!

It’s official!  Official ski resort coverage for this year will include the following ski resorts in the pacific northwest.  The list may be added to as time goes on, but for now, this is the base resorts list that will be visited this year and reviewed on Nwrecreation.today.com:

• White Pass, WA:  A place of phenomenal terrain, this is one of the editor’s  favorite places to hit the slopes on either a snowboard or skis.  Endless skiable terrain within thinly treed slopes makes this a keeper if you like challenging terrain.
• Ski Bluewood:  A small resort outside of Walla Walla, WA, Bluewood offers tri-city folks a close place to ski at.  As the editor’s first time going, expect a fair and balanced review on this resort.
• Anthony Lakes, Oregon: As the highest base elevation in Oregon, Anthony Lakes promises to offer fantastic views or terrain.  Again, as the editor’s first time up, a fair review will be given.

Also expect to see plenty of high quality pictures of both ski resorts!

As a way to further help my audience learn the importance of bike care, I will begin making short videos and tips on how to better care for your bike.  One of the most important things you can do is ensure that your bike is well taken care of.  This helps to increase the life and durability of your bike, as well as improve your riding performance.  For now, we’ll cover basic topics like lubing and chain adjustments, as well as derailer calibrations and brake adjustments.  All will be posted online on YouTube and on this website.

For starters, let’s remember to tighten down all the nuts and bolts on our bikes.  Remember to keep all bolts cranked down fairly tight and to make sure that nothing is loose.  These will hinder your ability to ride at your best and to follow the upcoming videos which will be listed.

If you have a topic to suggest, leave a comment on the blog, and I will be sure to make a video about it.  Until my first post, happy trails!

After a long week, I decided to go do something original.   I would try birding. . .  A biology person myself, I have always viewed animals as fascinating, but the task of sitting for long periods of time just to watch birds didn’t seem especially engaging to an active person like myself.  Nonetheless, I was writing for a news agency, and I went eager to learn something new.

As it turns out, birding offers a degree of fun that most outdoor enthusiasts don’t usually think about.  I personally went to the McNary National Wildlife Refuge in the Tri-cities of Washington state, and I found that they have a very nice facility for birders.  The experience of birding was very relaxing and peaceful when you have a blind to yourself to view and take pictures from.

If you are interested in birding, prepare to being some patience, but also a chance for relaxation and solitude.  Most likely there won’t be very many people with you, if any, and you will be able to view wildlife up close without being disturbed.  When you are tired from a week of mountain biking or hiking, this is definitely an activity to consider.  See you out there!

Snowboarding and skiing enthusiasts, the fluffy white goodness is on its way, and I am excited about this winter and about a new season of boarding.  As winter approaches and you have already gone over your gear checklist, it’s time to grab a checklist of all the stuff you need to do before heading up to the slopes.  Here is a small list to help you get started:

• Get chains or snow tires for you car
• Make sure your leashes and snow brakes work good
• Check your winter clothes
• Get appropriate first-aid kit and survival kit in your car
• Check around with ski resorts to see what the expected season will be like this year
• Make objectives list (if you’re that type of person)

Remember, winter is on its way folks, so get ready for some awesome winter fun!  See you all out there!

If you like a little bit of ice skating, broom ball, or hockey, Walla Walla offers you a great place to do such activities.  The Ice Chalet in downtown Walla Walla is a great place to hang out at and experience some of the best skating in the area.  A small complex with a good skating rink, the Ice Chalet is in a convenient location for college students in the area, as well as to other skaters and ice sports enthusiasts.

If you are an ice skater, then you can be sure to get some great practice in here.  If you can avoid the busy times, you may even get the rink almost entirely to yourself.  If broom ball is your style, they do host some broom ball games there as well.

Whether you are looking for better form in figure skating, some action in hockey, or just some downright fun in broom ball, the Ice Chalet will help satisfy your need for icy fun.  More information can be acquired at their website:

http://www.ywcaww.org/IceChalet.html

Just to let all readers of NW Recreation know, feedback in the form of comments is read, and is much appreciated.  As an added bonus, a new program has been added.  If you suggest a place in the northwest U.S. and I cover it (almost 100% guarantee), your site will be published in the post and added to the blogroll for 1 month.  This is a great way to get some added exposure and show readers what places you know of.

Recreation this winter is going to consist of mainly snow related activities due to the prediction of a hard winter, but I am looking forward to adding some possible alternatives to that.  Such places may include ice skating rinks, roller blading rinks, some outdoor/indoor family arcade and amusement complexes, and possibly some amusement parks.

Keep your spirits up this fall as NW recreation shifts its focus even more finitely on winter topics.   Happy autumn!