Fun in the Sun at the Outdoor Demo

"It's going to be hot there you know..." warned the fellow next to me as I waited in line to sign the liability waiver. I had arrived in Las Vegas the day before Interbike, and there was still time to make it to the final hours of the Outdoor Demo. While attendees are not permitted to ride the display bicycles at Interbike, the Outdoor Demo provides an opportunity to do just that. Hastily, I attached my wristband and boarded the shuttle that delivered visitors to the remote location.







Set up35 miles outside of Las Vegasin Bootleg Canyon, the Outdoor Demo resembled a tent city in the desert. An expanse of dirt and exotic shrubsdominated the landscape, in the fenced-off center of which stood hundreds of white, black and red booths. Colourfull flags announcing brand names protruded high into the air. Adistant view of hazy mountains surrounded it all. The air was scorchingly hot and completely dry. I checked the temperature on my phone and saw it was 99° F. The sky looked very strange to me - hazy in one direction, with everything in the distance looking blurry and faded, yet crisp and bright-blue in the other direction.






Starting just beyond the tent city was a paved loop road for test riding road and city bikes. The road was closed to motor vehicles during the event.






And extending toward the hills was a network of dirt trails for test riding mountain bikes.






A variety of bicycle, component and accessory manufacturers were represented, ready to demonstrate their new lines of products and loan out bikes.






Interbike and the Outdoor Demo are industry trade shows. Attendees tend to be bicycle shop owners, purchasers, merchandise distributors, importers, event promoters, media, and the like. Many are there to test ride bikes and try components in order to decide whether their shop should carry a specific model, or just to get a feel for the new line.






Being held outdoors in the sun, it is perhaps not surprising that the atmosphere was more casual than at Interbike. In a way it was almost like a village carnival: all bike rides and flowing beer.






The representatives at the booths were a lot more relaxed and casual than they typically are at Interbike, which made for easy-going conversations. Knowing that I didn't have the time to go around test riding everything, I decided to make my way through the demo and just get a feel for the overall event.






Felt Bicycles had an enormous presence and one of the largest selection of bikes. They organised their space like a library, with rows of bike racks lined up like book shelves, and a bike return area. I had a nice talk with the representative about their latest line of roadbikes, including the 7 women-specific road-racing models. I've had considerable positive feedback about Felt from female readers, and now I got a good vibe frominteracting with them in person. Worth a look for those shopping for a new roadbike.






Crankbrothers was another major presence, with small booths set up all over the Demo.






I use Crankbrothers pedals on my own bikes and love them, so I was excited to see Interbike limited editions of all of their models. Visitors were lining up to buy them.






And I suppose that's worth mentioning as one of the perks of these shows - access to new models, prototypes and limited editions at special prices. There was a great deal of buying and selling going on.






The Chris King booth was experiencing a particularly brisk trade, with crowds of people swooning over the colourful headsets and hubs.






They do know how to present their products to maximise the deliciousness factor; the hub-kebabs looked particularly fetching.







A few Cielo bikes (Chris King's partner brand) were on display and available for testing as well. I've shown pictures of a friend's Cyclocross model before; they are attractive and versatile bikes.






One of the more interesting displays was the Moots booth, with their charming crocodile logo.






Moots is a titanium bike manufacturer based in Colorado, specialising in road, mountain and cyclocross models.






On occasion I get questions from readers about what I think of Moots compared to Seven, but until now I had never even seen a Moots up close, let alone ridden one enough to compare. Unfortunately, I was wearing a dress and did not bring my cycling shoes (I had not planned to attend the Outdoor Demo), so a test ride was not in the cards. But visually the bikes come across very differently to me, and I am surprised that some describe them as similar.






Seven roadbikes have skinnier tubes than the Moots, the forks are completely different, and most notably different are the designs of the seat stays, chainstays and dropouts. I have no idea how any of it translates into ride characteristics, but aesthetically it's hard to mistake one brand for the other.





Oh and that alligator! Apparently modeled after a pencil eraser the company's founder had as a child.






While I wasn't able to test ride any roadbikes, I did try a new step-through Tern folding bike model (a separate write-up of this coming up later) and found it pretty interesting.






I also very briefly tried a Surly Pugsley, on dirt (though not the Bionx version pictured here), and found it simultaneously amazing and completely un-bikelike. The tires are fatter than anything I've ridden before and it almost did not feel like being on two wheels.






Later I met the representative of Urbana, which I've reviewed here before.






They were offering the new Bionx e-assist versions of the bikes for test rides, but at this point I needed to head back into town and was also on the verge of heat stroke - despite having drank water non-stop and tried to duck inside shaded booths every chance I got.






The intense desert heat was not to be messed around with.






Cycling here must be pretty tough, and I am not entirely clear on how the locals are able to stay hydrated on long rides. I drank 3 bottles of water in the course of an hour and a half, and it barely felt like enough. Not all Interbike attendees come to the Outdoor Demo, and speaking to some of them about it later the heat was cited as the major factor. Some find it simply impossible to walk around the canyon for hours, let alone to test ride bikes in any meaningful way in 100° F temperatures.






I am glad I was able to stop by the Outdoor Demo, if only to see the desert landscape and to get a sense for how the event is run. I would say the Demo is most useful for those who want to test ride and compare a variety of road or mountain bike models. Most of the mainstream manufacturers were represented, with a sprinkling of smaller ones. The Outdoor Demo is a two-day event held immediately before Interbike. For those interested in serious test rides I would suggest planning to be there for at least a full day, to bring cycling clothing and shoes if applicable, and to apply powerful sun screen.






Observing the dynamics of the event, it seemed to be at least as much about the socialising as about the test rides themselves, which is probably just generally how these things are. Watching from the sidelines, it is fun to think that major purchasing decisions of bike shops across the country are based on deals struck over beery, sunburnt conversations in the desert. Of course it is not really that simple.

The Estate of John Rupert :: Bill of Sale

The will of John Rupert dated October 17, 1828 was admitted to probate in Columbiana County, Ohio in August of 1831. Below is “A Bill of the Sale of the goods and Chattles of the estate of John Rupart Deceased September 24, 1831"





First Page of Sale Bill. Estate of John Rupart. Packet 1439. Family History Library microfilm 2032592.

Byors Names Philip Ehrhart James Lindismith Wiliam Wiliams Joseph Hartsoch Moses Buck Joseph Hartzoch Daniel Lindismith George Turnblon James Mcquilkin David Stroup John Nettner Isaac Hesting Anthony Sanders George Crubaugh Anthony Sanders John Carry George Tumblen John Hrisinger John Hartman Daniel Hrisinger Samuel Hoffy George Crubaugh Daniel Hrisinger John Hrisinger Joshua Copland Philip Ehrhart George Ehrhart George Ehrhart Samuel Hoffy George Ehrhart George Ehrhart Moses Buck John Jackson Benjamin Myres David Ehrhart	Articles sold a basket of sundries a basket of sundries 3 sickels sundries sundries Pinchers a lot of Crocks a lot of crocks a basket one Churn one fork & hoe one madock one sythe shoufle & ax 1 Saddle 1 Cettle 1 bake kettle 1 tub 1 barrel one tub bee gum 1 Salt barrel lot of Corn 1 Bake kettle lot of Chains lot of Notions lot of Ladles lot of puter Dishes 2 plates puter plates Sundries one lot of Hogs one Cow one Heifer 25 bushels of Corn	D C 0.28 0.13 0.11 0.12 ½ 0.15 0.12 ½ 0.06 ¼ 0.18 0.25 1.76 0.51 1.11 0.42 0.31 ¼ 7.45 2.25 1.17 0.66 1.15 0.92 0.06 ¼ 2.00 0.26 1.01 1.71 0.83 1.03 2.39 0.41 2.09 0.38 20.06 ½ 14.00 6.13 ½ 3.50

Second Page of Sale Bill. Estate of John Rupart. Packet 1439. Family History Library microfilm 2032592.

Byors Names Joseph Hartzoch George Tumblin David Ehrhart David Ehrhart David Ehrhart David Ehrhart Morits Miller John Hoge Peter Beal John Nettner Samuel Hoffy Jacob Brunner Peter Spinhern Henry Atterhold Sr Henry Crossgrove John Nettner John Hoge John Hartman Peter Spinhern James Mcquilkin Morits Miller Joseph Quin David Ehrhart John Jackson Henry Stall Josehs Quin Joseph Hartzoch David Ehrhart John Hoge George Burnworth Joseph Evens Jacob Lindismith George Burnworth John Hartman Anthony Allibaugh Anthony Allibaugh Joseph Huens	Articles sold one windmill one hay fork one barrel one tun & half hay lot of wheat 21 bushel lot of Rye 12 bushel at 25c one Real one spinning wheel one big wheel a lot of spoons a lot of plates a lot of Dishes a lot of Dishes sundries Candle moles 2 lamps Coffy pot one sausage stuffer sundries 1 frying pan sundries a pare of cards 1 hachet 1 Cow bell Knives & forks old Close a Pare of stelyards 2 Cups 1 small bucket 1 strainer 1 Bucket 1 adds 1 Bucket & mug 1 Lantern 3 Crocks 2 Crocks 2 Crocks	D C 9.00 0.23 0.12 ½ 4.05 10.92 3.00 0.45 1.58 1.10 0.41 0.03 0.07 0.12 ½ 0.30 0.26 0.27 0.28 0.18 0.40 1.14 0.18 0.29 1.65 0.75 0.19 0.6 ¼ 1.51 0.6 ¼ 0.27 0.10 0.18 0.79 0.27 0.39 0.15 0.07 0.11

Third page of Sale Bill. Estate of John Rupart. Packet 1439. Family History Library microfilm 2032592.

Byors Names George Ehrhart Daniel Lindismith Mores Wees Mores Wees David Ehrhart David Ehrhart Jacob Kneper Phillip Fox George burnworth David Rolitson David Ehrhart John Himadinger George Borone John Gamble John Gamble John Hymdinger George Ehrhart David Ehrhart George Ehrhart George Ehrhart Thomas Ball Mores Miller George Ehrhart George Ehrhart Joseph Huens George Ehrhart Mores Wees	Articles sold 1 Bake kettle 1 tea kettle 1 pot 1 bag 1 looking glass 1 Barrel 2 barrels 3 Baks 1 trunk 1 saddle bags 12 Bushel of Rye 1 trammel 4 Bushel wheat 1 tramble 1 half Bushel 1 Barrel Shoufle & tongues 1 Bottle 1 slew kettle 1 coffy mill 1 Bed 1 block 1 table 1 Chest 2 Cheers 2 Cheers 1 Bucket	D C 1.03 0.42 0.06 ¼ 0.79 1.02 0.19 0.25 0.31 0.16 0.06 ¼ 3.48 1.50 3.28 0.67 0.50 1.00 0.51 0.13 0.50 0.26 4.08 2.26 0.62 ½ 0.36 0.49 0.40 0.10

Alpinism?

If you aren't aware of the fact, the blog format details very accurate data on use and visitors. So I see where the traffic comes from by country and URL both.





Photo courtesy of Ally Swinton, his Nomic with a C/T hammer, solo on the North Face of the Midi

The majority of the use is from the US and Canada followed closely by the UK and then virtually every alpine country in the world follows.



The US numbers would seem to be a given. I post enough on Canadian and the UK climbing web sites that it isn't a surprise there. The rest of the traffic is.



I hope those that already know this will pardon me restating the obvious for us in NA.



Last year a couple of friends asked me how to better learn "alpinism". What ever that means to you. For many here in the NW that might mean climbing Ptarmiganm ridge as the ultimate goal or the North face on Mt Temple in the Rockies. For others the Cassin on Denali. Big jump between the three.



And any one of them worthy goals.



When I look back at 40 years of alpine climbing the one place that defines the sport and generally the climbers I admire it is Chamonix. Climbs like the MacIntyre-Colton on the Grand Jorasses definealpinism to me.



There are a couple dozen climbers I suspect in Chamonix-Courmayeur area (or who climb there on a regular basis) that we have never heard of, that have done more hard alpine climbing thananyonefrom the US, past or present.



Bold statement, I know.



But then, do you know the guy who not only broke Ueli Steck's speed record on the Ginat this winter and carried skis up and over while doing it? Yes. alpine climbing is all about conditions. And the Ginat had steps up it earlier in the in the winter. But still...anyone know this guy or his time?



Chamonix is a big and complexarea, has an amazing amount of climbing, (more than any one person will ever do in a life time) and super easy access (but not as easy as it first appears). Generally you will be climbing above 11,000 feet if you want to climb on the bigger faces. And best of all the rock is stellar in comparison to Canadian limestone and the weather stunning in clarity if rather harsh (Alaska harsh) in the storm cycles when they do arrive. Nothing like it for terrainin North America outside Alaska.





Bottom line here? If you want to learn what thestate of alpine climbing is in the world today...or get better at your own alpine climbing in the shortest amount of time involved, you simply must climb (and you mustski) in Chamonix.



Lots of places to rock climb in the world. Yosemite one of the best. Just as many of us have learned a lot in Yosemite it isn't the end all to rock climbing. Close may :) It might well be the one destination you must make it to if you rock climb. Chamonix is the one place you must visit if you alpine climb.



Take a look at Colin Haley's blog during March and April over the last few years to put the climbing access and skiing into perspective.



http://colinhaley.blogspot.com//04/back-in-chamonix.html



I have a few months worth of writing and opinions to catch up on. Most of thatis based on this year's Cham experience. Some of it a surprise even to me.

Knitting Cyclists and Cycling Knitters

Last week I finally got back on the roadbike enough to start marking miles on my calendar again. Birds were singing, legs were spinning, flowers were pushing through. Then yesterday, this happened. It's still on the roads today. And it's supposed to happen again tomorrow. I lost my temper and did something I hadn't done in some time: I knitted.



I am not a committed knitter, but I learned as a child and do it whenever the fancy strikes. Or when I'm frustrated. The winter of -11 was terrible for cycling, but great for knitting. I made myself an entire new wardrobe, made presents for friends, and did a brisk trade in hats for bicycle components. I must have knitted over 50 hats that winter; it was pretty bad. I can never just sit there and knit, so it's always done in conjunction with another activity, like reading, or talking, or watching a film. I did try knitting while cycling on a trainer a couple of times, but the rhythms are too different for it to work well.



It's been a surprise to discover how many women who ride bikes also knit. They seem like such different activities on the surface: one is domestic and stationary, the other exploratory, active and physically draining. Maybe it's the contrast that's attractive. Or the rhythm. Or the element of independence and self-sufficiency that both provide.



Apparently Lyli Herse was a prolific knitter. She would knit before bicycle races and brevets, because it kept her from getting nervous at the start. She made matching sweaters for her tandem partners and randonneuring teammates, their patterns distinctly recognisable in the historical photos.



Today, there isEmily O'Brien, who is not only a knitter, but also a spinner (can make her own yarn out of fleece). Bobbin and Sprocket knits and crochets. Knitting Lemonadeknits and embroiders. There isRoseread, whoknits lovely socks. The writer Sally Hinchcliffea bicyclist and knitter.There is alsoThe Knitting Cyclist. AndThe Knit Cycle. And Knitting by Bicycle. And more! Some are predominantly cyclists who are also attracted to knitting. Others are predominantly knitters who also ride bikes. Either way, it's an interesting convergence of interests:Knit your own wheeling costume (or a handlebar flower?). Get on a bike. And ride where you like ...once the snow melts a bit.

Mt. Olympus, Blue Glacier

We made the long drive up to the northwest corner of the state to climb Mt. Olympus. It is located deep in the Hoh Rain Forest. The climb involves a round trip hike of 45 miles with an elevation gain of 8,000'.



There were huge, moss covered Douglas Fir, Cedar, Spruce and Hemlock trees everywhere.



Elk Lake at the 15 mile mark.





This cable ladder was put in place to help climbers cross an avalanche chute just before the camp at Glacier Meadows.





The Blue Glacier as seen from the lateral moraine. The true summit is the farthest peak in the middle of the picture. Snow Dome is on the right.





Doug and Dave on the summit in our rain gear. It rained for about an hour when we first started up the glacier. We had traveled and hiked way to far to turn around because of rain! The sun even came out later that morning.



The view from the summit looking down on Snow Dome and the Blue Glacier.






The lower part of the glacier is a square mile of hard ice. It is covered with hundreds of small icy streams. They usually disappear into a hole or crevasse on the glacier.



It would have been easy to spend an entire day there exploring that part of the mountain. We had to walk on the high spots to stay dry.




We made our way back down the moraine to Glacier Meadows where the biting flies convinced us to start the hike out to the car. The next day, we stopped at the beach for a while and then started the long drive home. It was nice to accomplish another climb that had been on our "to do" list for a while.

The Estate of John Rupert :: The First “Final Account”

The will of John Rupart dated October 17, 1828 was admitted to probate in Columbiana County, Ohio in August of 1831. On August 5th 1832 a “final account” was prepared and submitted to the Court of Common Pleas.





First page of Final Account dated August 5th 1832.Estate of John Rupart. Packet 1439. Family History Library microfilm 2032592.

The final account of Conrad Yerian and David Erhart

as Executors of the last will and testament of

John Rupart late of the county of Columbiana deceased.



The appraisment was on the 3d September 1831

when goods were appraised to the amount of - - - - - - - - $106.51



The sale of the personal estate was on the 24th

September when goods were sold to amount of - - - - - - $



These accountants charge themselves with

the amount of the sale bill - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - $144.21



These accountants claim a credit for the following

sums paid on account of the estate

1831 Augt 20 - - No 1 - - Paid Peter Spangler - - - Auc - - - $5.00

1831 Sept 3 - - - No 2 - - Paid Joseph Morris - - - taxes - - - 1.04

1831 Sept 23 - - No 3 - - Paid David Arter - - - - - Auc - - - - 0.75

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - $6.79



Costs of Administration

1831 Sptr 2 - - No 4 - - Paid C. D. Coffin Clk - - - - - - - - - - - 5.25

1831 Sptr 30 - No 5 - - Paid Michael Arter qualifying [?] Appr - 0.37 ½

1832 Jany 18 – No 6 - - Paid Philip Andre Appr - - - - - - - - - - 0.50

1832 Jany 18 – No 7 - - Paid Peter Crossinger Appr - - - - - - - 0.50

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Amount Carried over $7.62 ½





Second page of Final Account dated August 5th 1832.Estate of John Rupart. Packet 1439. Family History Library microfilm 2032592.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Amount brought over $7.62 ½

1832 Jany 18 - - No 8 - - - Paid Joshua Copeland crying sale - - - 2.00

1832 Jany 18 - - No 9 - - - Paid David Wiley Appr - - - - - - - - - - 0.50

1832 Jany 29 - - No 10 - - Paid C. D. Coffin Clk - - - - - - - - - - 1.00

1832 May 19 - - No 11 - - Paid C. D. Coffin Clk - - - - - - - - - - - 0.40

1832 Sptr 24 - - No 12 - - Paid William Morgan Clerking - - - - - - 0.75

1832 Augt 22 - - No 13 - - Paid Fisker A. Blackman Atty Fee - - - 5.00

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - $17.30 ½



To the Honorable Court of Common Pleas for the county of Columbiana.

The undersigned Master Commissioner of the Court to whom was refered

the account of the Executors of the last will and testament of John

Rupart late of said county, deceased Reports that in pursuance of the

Rule of the Court he has examined said account and finds that the amount

received from the sale of personal estate is - - - - - - - - - - - $144.21

It being the whole amount charged against said accountants



I do find by proper vouchers exhibited that said accountants have paid

debts owing by said estate to the amount of - - - - - - - - - - - - $6.79



Costs of administration inclusive of the sum to be allowed by Court to

Executors for their services is - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - $17.30 ½

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Total Credits - - - - - - - - - - 24.09 ½





Third page of Final Account dated August 5th 1832.Estate of John Rupart. Packet 1439. Family History Library microfilm 2032592.

Leaving in the hands of said executors for distribution - - - - - $120.11 ½



Out of which the Executors compensation for their services and Master fee

to be allowed by Court to be deducted.



All which is respectfully submitted

August 25th 1832 Fisher A. Blackman, Master Comm



Atty fee - - - - - - - - - - - - $2.00

Executor - - - - - - - - - - - - [?] .64

Camafloged Cats

Our 3 black cats hiding out on the couch taking a nap.

Christmas at the Golden Gate

Well, I wasn't sure where I would be for Christmas... as luck would have it, I found myself in San Francisco on Christmas Eve. I spent the evening at Golden Gate National Recreation Area, overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge. I love the Golden Gate Bridge, and it was one of the things I was wanting to photograph again on this trip. Much to my surprise, when I arrived at the area overlooking the bridge I could see a few stars in the sky! I was certain that the city lights would be too bright to be able to see any stars, but thankfully I was wrong. I managed to make an image of the bridge with the constellation Orion visible in the sky above. It was the perfect Christmas gift.



Even though I was "alone" on Christmas, I felt like you were all with me. I received many emails from my friends, followers and supporters wishing me a Merry Christmas. Thanks to you all who took the time to send me a message. Your wishes were much appreciated and made me feel like I was home. I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas as well!

More from Summer OR

New Trango Cube




I am jammed for time right now and haven't been able to write up much of what I saw at OR.

So here is a drive by of my highlights. Hopefully more thoughts to come on each piece when I get time.








La Sportiva rock shoes..









The newest La Sportiva touring free ride boot...4 buckles!









DMM's newest tools





Trango with a proper gear sling and a innovative and nifty rope tarp









Grivel's crampon binding conversion kit!!





OR's Astroman rock climbing shirt...which I really liked!

It is a very limited market, with a really cheap core audience. Bravo for OR jumping into that snake pit.









New tech approach shoes from Scarpa





a new, flat lasted trad shoe





Much anticipated Pro version of the Rebel Carbon.

It takes clip on crampon now has a bit of insulation and worth the wait I suspect.

The Rebel Ultra certainly was.





A mini biner I really liked from Edelrid





I hate lockers...but not this one...stoked on Edelrid here!





MSR Reactor is likely headed for the bin....Newest Jetboil rooooocccckkks!








OK, no question, I want a Machine 3.0!

Not really very sociable to justbring picturesto OR ;=)











Two sizes and two colors..Acrteryx's newest climbing pack is slllllick!









Camp as always has the goods...not new but it is the goods!





New pack from Metolius....that is built from haul bag material





And a 000 TCU...for thinnnn cracks









Mammut's climbing harness in sew into their pants and shorts now. Kool idea.









My personal RAB model in the new award winning lwts.









More Scarpa porn.....yes I want two of the three

and no I can't afford them all either!




and some of the newest Dynafits TLT 6s as well!





My '80s brief case for comparison and the smallest Grivel haul pag/day pack.





Rolex Sub and the newest Luminox Navy Spec watch,

















Mountain Equipment down! But they did indeed have more than just down.




There is more but I wanted to get some of the newest stuff out there for you to see.