JENNY FROM THE BLOCK

Business and Pleasure

Last weekend Tim and I headed to Idaho.

Two days in Sun Valley and two days in Boise.

The trip was a mix of business and pleasure.

They say things are bigger and better in Boise. Just look at the view from Bogus Basin.

Tim is dwarfed by Mt. Baldy at Sun Valley.

After taking care of business Tim is quick to shed his tie.

My business you ask?

Or do you just think I was there for pleasure?

My business was to inspect and review Boise's local mountain Bogus Basin. Your probably wondering why I am not reviewing Sun Valley? I'm sure it's been done many times before. It's a lovely mountain 75 years running.

Review is as follows:

I give Bogus two thumbs up. No, it is not Vail, Crans Montana, or even Sun Valley, but for an "in town" ski resort it is really cool. Bogus is only 12 miles from downtown Boise. The 12 miles takes a good 25 minutes to drive as the road has tons of switchbacks. I felt a little guilty driving. I was thinking I should be riding my bike up a road like this. In fact there are signs that say "Kristen Armstrong Bike Way" with Olympic rings the whole way up. In the last few miles the scenery changes from scrubby desert to pine forest with snow.

It hardly ever snows in Boise proper so the commute to the ski area is not stressful. Some people live for the epic snow dump. Me? Yes and No. It's only great a great ski day if you can get to the mountain and ski it. The dump that went to Dallas would have been appreciated in Idaho. Truth be told, I would have loved fresh snow so deep I needed a snorkel. However, skiing a resort that has not had recent snow is a true test of the resort. Sun Valley was actually more icy and scratchy than Bogus. This surprised me. I expected less from Bogus. Both are very well maintained mountains.

At first glance I thought Bogus was rinky dink. I just saw a few runs and the lodge is nothing fancy. Also, sometimes you get what you pay for. Bogus is cheap. I mean cheap, $200 for a season pass. I wasn't expecting much. I was pleasantly surprised. Upon further exploration I found Bogus to be very similar in nature to Stowe. I'm told Bogus has more ski able acres than Jackson Hole. A season pass costs more than three times as much at Stowe. I love Stowe but, at Stowe ice is the norm. Sometimes it's so icy, it's blue. Often it's 30 degrees below. In Stowe's defense they do have more high speed chairs, a gondola, and the cost of making snow. However, they sell tons more lift tickets. Bogus is virtually empty. Even when lacking snow the groomed runs are not that icy. I saw lots of ungroomed terrain that was too thin to ski currently. I bet it would be awesome with a bit more snow.

Bogus has no lift lines. The lift ops are nice.Some look like real mountain men with big grey beards for full effect. This I can not say for Big Bear. Seriously, not only are punks allowed to cut but the attendants just stared on when three snowboards literally stepped on me in order to take cuts while I waited in the singles line. One even ashed on me. I'm sorry but I prefer a non skate park environment, having little tolerance for that behavior. Skiing in Idaho, whether at Sun Valley or Bogus has a very classic vibe. Call me old school, but I like it.

Another plus for Bogus is night skiing. I really believe people with day jobs should have an outlet for play in the evening. What good is a ski resort if it isn't open when you can ski? If you have have a ski trip planned someplace really special, say Grimentz, you want to be in shape for it.

Sorry I can't rate the cafeteria. I'm bit of a ski cafeteria food snob. Growing up at Nubs Nob spoiled me. The cafeteria ladies made everything from scratch including the noodles for the chicken soup. Just ask my Dad about the selection of pies? Oh and Sunday afternoons they made glazed donuts,from scratch. One could smell them from the slopes. Thursday evenings it was peanut butter brownies. Coincidentally I got dreadfully sick after eating one my junior year of high school and could never eat one again. Probably a blessing. If I am skiing with others where the food is good, I will eat. Skiing solo, I just put a couple energy bars in my pockets and ski straight through. It's a bit lonely skiing alone and lonelier dining alone.

But what about the hot chocolate?
Once again I have been ruined for everyday life. One word: Caotina. Located in Switzerland. You will never have any other hot chocolate again. Ok, maybe you will. Once again skiing solo, I'd rather just keep skiing. Those chemical heat packs are awesome and do a good job keeping my fingers warm.

So you think I had all the pleasure and Tim had all the work?

Don't let him fool you.

He did have two days of skiing Sun Valley and one dinner at the Pioneer Saloon.

Idaho Beef and Potatoes!

Hello Old Friend

Idyllwild January 22, 2011

Dear Idyllwild,

Long time no see. Oh how I've missed you.

You are an old friend to us now.

Stunning views from the fire roads and single track delight.

We were the couple with the small fire and the "jiffy pop."

The only campers in the entire park.

You'll be on our minds, until we meet again.

Thanks for another great weekend.

A Man and His Dreams.

They say only a fool stands between a man and his dreams. Today I was that fool. It started out a lovely Sunday stroll north on the PCH. We decided to combine business with pleasure and stop by Hansen's Surf shop in Encinitas to exchange a Christmas gift. Technically it was a Christmas gift for me that didn't fit quite right. It was sunny out. I was feeling generous and maybe a little guilty for making the exchange. I offered to stay outside and watch the bikes while Tim handled the exchange. I encouraged him to get something cool and sensible. Also, I had never been inside Hansen's which has very cute surfer girl clothes. I figured if I went inside I might start a new bad habit.

I waited outside with the bikes for a very long time. I expected Tim to come out to the door with two hoodies and ask my opinion. He didn't. He appeared with exuberant and slightly flushed with excitement.

You see Tim found the Oakley Frog skin Iridium sunglasses he had been wanting since age 8. At 8 years old he didn't have much spending power. He saved up his money but could only afford the non iridium lenses. He was fortunate enough to purchase Frog skins with a dalmatian print frame. Like every boy who lost his baseball cards, Tim claims his mother threw them out. ~~I don't know why she would do such a thing.~~ Tim is very proud to announce he pulled out the same wallet he used when he was 8 to purchase the first pair.~~The wallet is another blog in itself.~~ I made a comment that Tim should be driving a van with tinted windows or an ice cream truck with those shades on, instead of riding a bike. I promptly got dropped after that. Tim said he couldn't help picking up the pace, the superior optical quality propelled him.

Lastly, Tim says they'd go great with a "stache". Oh brother!

Winter Reading

Sometimes it's really hard to remember that those in the Midwest and on the East coast are struggling with 18 inches of snow daily. Based on yesterday's ride around the Great Western Loop and today's run on the beach life is grand.

January days end relatively early. After getting a good dose of fresh air I am happy to curl up with a good book. ~~That is after I have checked Facebook 20 times and read every body's blog 5 times.~~ One of my many goals for the year is to waste less time so I have more time to read books. Lately I have read some good ones.

Every dog lover will enjoy this book. "Enzo" the dog absolutely stole my heart. Those of us who truly are "racers" or have a passion for something often are not understood by others. Sometimes we don't quite understand ourselves. Enzo gets it and can even put it into words. It's just a book and Enzo's just a made up dog, but Enzo will have a place in my heart forever.

Most triathlon books have given me a better understanding and respect of physiological and mechanical aspects of sport. That's great but I always wonder what goes on in the head of true champions. This book clearly demonstrates the what great things can be accomplished when the body and mind work together. It's not a "heavy book". In fact just the opposite, you really feel the lightness of Madonna Buder's persona and her relentless energy.

This is a great book on mountain biking. Of all the books I have read on running, skiing, or triathlon this book is the most helpful. I know you can't just read a book about mountain biking and ride like a champion. I think it would have helped me to read it before I began my off road adventures or at least before the first time I rode Noble Canyon. There is solid advise for about any situation. Recalling this books tips and being confident in execution makes a huge difference. Instead of listening to your riding partners or spouse say "FAIL" as you push your bike around the technical section you will smile graciously/smugly when s/he asks you how you did it and say "It's easy, Ned says ....".

In addition to advise on riding I have read the importance of understanding your mountain bike from a mechanical perspective. I have read and believe to be true that every mountain biker should be competent in removing a link from a chain and changing a derailleur hanger.

I confess I probably wouldn't be so interested in learning those mechanical skills if my multi tool wasn't the most fashionable multi tool ever. It's got to be on par with a Coach handbag or a pair of Jimmy Choos. In the event that I don't master all of it's functions at least I'll look sharp.