Many of the messages give stopping and starting points of the riders, as well as the occasional funny quip or motivational line. A rider quitting their $3.75 an hour job might seem unimpressive nowadays, but, keep in mind, the minimum wage at that time was around just $1.60 to $1.80 an hour. Some riders left everything behind in pursuit of their goals and adventure.

Other signatures give an idea of just how far some riders had come: “Brussels—Amsterdam—Frankfurt, and all paths between, summer of ’74,” one signature reads. “Scotland—Germany—Madrid—and where the mood strikes me,” reads another. Some are “on the road to find out,” while others are “experiencing the magic of the wind.” Wherever they had been, wherever they were going, and for whatever the reason, these cyclists left their messages and found camaraderie in the journeys of others in a shared space on a bike shop wall here in Spokane. As Wheel Sport owner Terry Solinsky says, “it is invigorating to read the comments of all who signed the wall and imagine their joy of the journey.”

Despite the popularity of the wall, it was covered up in the mid-80s as part of a decision to update the store’s showroom. The wall remained hidden for over thirty years. “The decision to uncover the wall was partly a result of curiosity, but mostly to view the history of that era,” says Solinsky, who has been in the bicycle business for over 40 years. Solinsky got his start in the industry as a wholesale rep for Peugeot bikes, covering the Northwest all the way up to Alaska before buying the Wheel Sport store on Division, where the wall was hidden, in 1985.

In addition to the signatures and messages, large black and red lettering gives a bold shout out to Peugeot as “Europe’s Number 1 Bike,” reflecting the company’s prominent place in cycling history. The Peugeot family, makers of Peugeot bikes, backed their first Tour de France winner in 1905, and later went on to back winners of the race 10 times. Peugeot bikes were famous in the racing and touring world. In a fitting honor to the company, Solinsky and his team fixed up a few old Peugeot touring bikes to put on display above the wall.

The wall also displays pictures of old Tour de France racers, some smoking cigarettes as they bike, others with a beer in hand at the end of the race, which is not something you are likely to see today.  “Riders used to believe that smoking helped to open up your lungs,” explains Solinsky.

Solinsky hopes the wall serves to inspire aspiring touring cyclists and educate people on the part Wheel Sport and Spokane played in the golden era of bike touring. “It is a warm and gratifying feeling that Wheel Sport shared a small part of the joy and struggles of those adventurers as they crossed our nation,” adds Solinsky. “We invite you all into Wheel Sport to view the wall and perhaps reminisce about your own extended tour.” //

Elena Gardner is Out There Monthly’s Associate Editor. She wrote about local sports medicine innovations and hiking at Bead Lake in the October issue.

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The fifth annual “Haunted Zombie” hike, hosted by the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission and the Riverside State Park Foundation, will take place next Saturday, October 22, from 6 to 9 p.m.

The event is open to all ages and exhibits all kinds of spooky fun, from errant zombies to a fire tended by witches telling haunted stories of the past.

Wear comfortable shoes and warm clothing for the chilly weather, and be prepared to walk over uneven terrain. Trader Joes will be providing complimentary hot chocolate and coffee.

Admission is $10 for adults; $5 for kids ages 3 to 12; and free for children under 2. Flashlights will be provided for adults, and children will receive a glow-in-the-dark bracelet as part of the admission fee. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Pets are not allowed on the trail.

A discover pass is also not required for the event.

For more information, contact Lara Gricar, at (509) 465-5066 or lara.gricar@parks.wa.gov.

If you’re looking for an event closer to you, check out the State Parks’ events calendar online at:http://parks.state.wa.us/Calendar.aspx to see where else events are being held.

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We skipped past the boat launch and began our hike at the trailhead above that runs parallel to the launch. While the trail was mostly shaded throughout, the heat of the late May sun still found its way through the trees, making the lake look more and more inviting with each passing hour. With little elevation gain (only 400 feet), we had plenty of opportunity to gaze out dreamily over the still water, imagining it to be cool and refreshing. The lake beckoned to us for hours, daring us to take the plunge, but when we dipped in our hands as a quick test, it told us all we needed to know: This mountain runoff was shockingly cold. A quick dip in the early hours of the morning would be doable, but it was already late afternoon and we’d be hard pressed to find enough time to dry off and stop shivering in the shade before the sun went down.

Although the opposite side of the lake was dotted with cabins and docks, the lake itself was devoid of human activity, giving the entire trail a private and secluded feel. The lake was distractingly beautiful; it was easy to forget to stop and explore the richness of growth nearby. Bright yellowish-white stalks of cauliflower-shaped fungus sprouted next to the trail, along with eerily beautiful purple blooms of fungus larger than my hand. About 3 miles in, a grove of cedar trees became visible. One stood sentry in the middle, with a trunk so wide that we could barely touch hands when wrapping our arms around it.

After two hours on the trail, we realized we were not alone — lying across the trail was a large canine tooth the size of my thumb amidst patches of blood-streaked, wispy white fur. Some unlucky small mammal was on the menu tonight. But better it than us.

Bead Lake can easily be hiked in a day, but it is well worth the overnight stay. If you do choose to backpack, you have three campsite options: two in the first two-thirds of the trail and one at the very end of the trail. While the last campsite is worth the final stretch for both privacy and beauty’s sake, it is small, and if someone has beaten you to it, prepare to get cozy with your neighbor. We opted for the last site, and another couple soon joined us. We all spent the night chatting happily, sharing our campfire and gazing up at the lighted night sky.

Look for fall colors on a day hike or overnight along and above Bead Lake, including larch and various shrubs and deciduous trees. //

Elena Gardner loves to explore, travel, and write, and her favorite camp meal is instant coffee. Read more of Elena’s writing at egardnerblog.wordpress.com.

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“For the first time in a dozen years, we are thrilled to return to the screen with the support and inclusion of the patriarch of winter stoke, Warren Miller,” says Managing Director Andy Hawk. “This year’s project has been an incredibly rewarding opportunity for the athletes, film crew and staff who were able to work directly with him again.”

In addition to inducing nostalgia over the roots of skiing, Here, There, & Everywhere also seeks to show the more progressive side of snowsports, from fat biking, backcountry snowmobiling, and hill-climbing racing (featuring Polaris pro Keith Curris), to dogsledding and pond skimming.

The film tour stops in Spokane on October 28 at the Bing Crosby Theatre for two shows: one at 6:30 p.m. and again at 9:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online on the Warren Miller website. Everyone attending the film showing will receive vouchers good for a free lift ticket to Mt. Bachelor, a free night lift ticket to Mt. Spokane Ski and Snowboard Park, a free early or late season lift ticket to Steamboat, and a voucher good for $25 off a purchase of $100 or more at Spokane Alpine Haus. Skinet.com/warrenmiller. //

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The 22-minute film, “Ascent to Powder – Tale of a Ski Town,” tells this story. Shot on location at Fernie Alpine Resort, FWA Powder Catskiing, and Island Lake Catskiing, the film explores the real stories of those who have traversed the slopes, passed through Fernie, or grew up in the small mountain town.

What’s the most surprising thing about Fernie? “That we care so much that we don’t care,” says Jikke Gyorki, executive producer of the film. “The people of Fernie care a lot, about their town and its history, their outdoor pursuits, their mountains and environment, their lifestyle, their friends, family and neighbors. So much that they don’t care about what other people may think.”

Fernie, which started out as a mining, forestry, and railway town, eventually became the birthplace of the Powder Highway, also known as Route 95A, which connects seven ski resorts in British Columbia.  The town is rich in heritage architecture, and even boasts its own Ghostrider curse (a horse and rider whose legend lives on at Mt. Hosmer). The ski resort base is located close to downtown, so it is easy to experience everything that makes Fernie special.

The film seeks to show off all that Fernie has to offer winter sports, through the stories of those who know it best. Featured in the film are prominent locals such as Mark Gallup, Heiko Socher, Dylan Siggers, Andrea Byrne, Ross Janzen, Blair Craig, Kevin Griffin, and indie band Shred Kelly.

“Those passionate about Fernie don’t feel they need to prove themselves or how great Fernie is,” says Gyorki. “They encourage people to come and experience Fernie for themselves and dig in deep to really feel what Fernie is all about. Locals love to share their passion with others. Then visitors will truly see why Fernie is such a special place.” Skiers and snowboarders alike will drool at the stunning powder and cinematography featured in the teaser trailer for the film. (WARNING: It will make you anxious for ski season.)

You can watch the film at home on YouTube.  The film will also be shown on US TV networks this fall. Keep up to date for local showings by visiting the film’s website at Ascenttopowder.com or visit Tourismfernie.com. //

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The new Rockwood Integrated Sports Medicine Clinic on Spokane’s South Hill addresses this problem by combining recovery needs into a one-size-fits-all facility. Complete with therapy, performance training, and the basic functions of an orthopedic surgery clinic, the clinic services injuries from ACL tears to rotator cuffs, and the average orthopedic injuries in between. “This allows me to just say to the patient, hey, walk with me and I’ll introduce you to a therapist who I think you’ll really enjoy working with,” says Christopher Dewing, M.D., who joined Rockwood Clinic in 2015. “They already know the routine, they’ve met the team, they’re part of our family, and it makes the whole process seamless.”

Integrated facilities are one of the many changes occurring in the sports medicine field. “Sports medicine has become more focused,” says Dewing. “Team physicians are now doing on-field coverage and working directly with athletes.”

Science in the sports medicine field has also come a long way, making advances in injection treatment, platelet-rich plasma, and stem cell therapy, all of which fall under biological rejuvenation medicine. And sports medicine has begun to integrate with other service lines like therapy, performance training, on-the-field training, coaches’ training, clinics, injury prevention, and concussion treatment. “Concussions are a huge topic among soccer players and football players,” says Dewing. “The main problem with concussion treatment is whether or not there is good baseline testing on our athletes. Even young athletes in elite programs are being tested pre-season for a baseline profile on their brain function. That way, if there is a severe concussion, we can do a follow-up test.”

Another big change in sports medicine comes in the form of equipment. The Rockwood Clinic boasts an anti-gravity treadmill that allows personnel to monitor what is happening from both a surgical and therapy standpoint. The anti-gravity treadmill allows post-op patients who, say, still have healing incisions, to start recovery without worrying about the water exposure associated with pool therapy. “From the very first week of post-op therapy, we can have somebody walking or doing drills at a fraction of their normal body weight,” says Dewing. “They can be anywhere from 0 to 100 percent of their body weight, depending on what we’re trying to accomplish.”

Research has shown that physiologic motion during recovery from surgery promotes rapid healing, keeps neural networks vital, and keeps oxygenation high. On the flip side, the anti-gravity treadmill also has benefits for those trying to increase training capacity without stressing joints. That’s why these innovative treadmills are used at Olympic centers and other high-end physiotherapy clinics. “Patients here use the anti-gravity treadmill for anything from back injuries to toe injuries,” says Dewing.

The physical space of the clinic is inviting too, with open and lighted spaces designed to inspire patients and add a social aspect to recovery. “There’s a certain level of excitement when you’re watching someone else progress in their rehab, and you know that’s ahead for you,” says Dewing. “When I was in the military, I would watch the Navy SEALs compete over who was going to get their motion in fastest. Inspiration comes from watching other people recover.”

The clinic provides coverage for all Division 1 teams at Eastern Washington University, including football, basketball, tennis, and track and field. It also covers Spokane’s Shadow soccer club and the endurance sports community in town. “It’s gratifying to see those young athletes go from sitting in a puddle of tears to getting back to doing what they love to do,” says Dewing.

The clinic opened this summer, and its staff members are excited to get to work. Dewing enthuses, “We’re here together, we’re interacting, we’re learning from each other, and I think that is going to create an amazing experience for patients.” The Integrated Sports Medicine Rockwood clinic is located at 2420 E. 29th Avenue in Spokane. //

Elena Gardner loves to explore, travel, and write, and her favorite camp meal is instant coffee. Read more of Elena’s writing at egardnerblog.wordpress.com.

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The event includes a silent auction, trivia, and a bison dinner. Event-goers will also have a chance to hear from two-time Paralympian Sean Halsted, who is currently world-ranked US Ski Team Nordic skier, biathlete, and former WSU rower.

Available for auction are whitewater rafting trips, luxury bed and breakfast stays, as well as goods produced by local artists.

The dinner costs $20 per adult plate, and $50 for a family (up to 5). Proceeds from the event will go towards developing an adaptive ski program at Mt. Spokane State Park.

The event will begin at 5:30 pm. Registration ends on October 22, so don’t wait to pick up tickets, which are available on the Spokane Nordic website.

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The film’s teaser features daring stunts and stunning aerial shots, hot tubbing, a lot of face-plants, and an epic reunion-style massive 21-year athlete roster group shred of the Palisades at Squaw Valley. The film gives you an idea of what it takes to live tight-loose. Whatever kind of winter sports you’re into, the film is sure to provide a thrill, the kind of thrill that can only come from watching someone ski down what looks like a sheer cliff face. (Watch the trailer here.)

Founded by Steve and Todd Jones and headquartered in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, TGR amplifies the antics and achievements of the world’s top athletes through film and other action sports media. Tight Loose premieres at the Bing Crosby Theater on October 13 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 the day of show, and $5 for ages 16 and under. Visit the TGR website for tickets and a chance to win tour grand prizes.

The premiere, sponsored in part by Out There Monthly, will feature prize giveaways, and a shot at the tour grand prizes: a trip for two to the TGR hometown of Jackson Hole, a trip for two to Whitewater Ski Resort in Nelson, B.C. (as seen in the movie), or your choice of a pair of Atomic Skis.

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