One of the most serene and satisfying late winter or early spring exploits is a soothing soak in one of the dozens of hike-in hot springs dotting our region within a few hours’ drive. One of the most delightful ways to reach them, and at times the only way come early spring, is on snowshoes. 

Natural hot springs, in addition to being hot, which can itself be soothing since warm water immersion induces endorphin production, can also contain chemicals known to promote feelings of serenity and contentment, like lithium, magnesium, and sulfur. A hot soak paired with some moderate exertion required to access it, may elicit a dopamine response equivalent to hang gliding in the Alps. I can’t say personally, but it may. I can say that it will require a tiny fraction of the gear and training. 

Once prepared, where can you find these geothermal gems, and what kind of hiking or snowshoeing adventures may await you en route? Below are a few hikes to get you started. The Pacific Northwest is replete with soaking options, each offering a unique and wondrously relaxing experience. Remember, conditions change rapidly, so always consult recent trail reports and check the weather before heading out. 

Gearing Up  

Depending on the snow conditions and rules at the hot spring, you may need little more (or a little less) than a bathing suit to soak and some snowshoes, hiking boots (with or without the addition of traction devices like Yaktrax), and possibly some trekking poles to get you there. Snowshoes are the footwear of choice in fresh powder and soft or unconsolidated snow, and are the savior of trips when post-holing for miles might prevent you from reaching your destination comfortably, or at all, in limited spring-month light.  

Snowshoes are relatively inexpensive and fairly easy to master, the primary concern being maintaining a wide stepping stance so you don’t trip on your own feet. This feels unnatural at first, but after a few falls you’ll channel your inner zombie and widen your base to achieve a kind of rigid, awkward, lilting stability. To maximize enjoyment, select the correct size snowshoe for your weight. If you’re sure no snow awaits you on your path, boots shold suffice. Other recommended gear include a backpack with a towel, dry clothing, plenty of water (soaking, though the opposite of physical exertion, can dehydrate you through imperceptible heavy sweating), snacks, first aid kit, trekking poles for balance, and a headlamp in case you end up racing sundown. It’s easy to lose track of time during a meditative soak, so make sure you leave enough daylight to return to your car or campsite safely. 

Choosing a Route 

It’s important to pay close attention to the route you plan to take, and understand some of the important factors you should consider in choosing a hot spring suitable for late winter or early spring adventure. Obtain a guidebook, like Falcon Guide’s “Hiking Hot Springs in the Pacific Northwest” by Evie Litton and Sally Jackson, and peruse recent trail reports online before attempting any hike.  

While considering any of the routes to a hot spring, especially if you plan to be on snowshoes, you may want to avoid river crossings, which could make the remaining miles to the hot spring or your return trip more uncomfortable. Frostbite is much more likely when your extremities are wet. Also generally avoid routes with ropes, ladders or steep rock descents, as the plentiful water vapor surrounding springs can condense and ice build up on them, making these features unduly treacherous. Nothing wrecks a peaceful soak quite like a fall on the way to it, and your fellow soakers don’t want blood in the water.  

Routes to many of the popular hot springs, like those off Highway 12 near Missoula, Jerry Johnson, Weir, and Stanley, may be heavily trodden and icy, so bring traction cleats and watch for off-camber turns. Certain routes may have very steep pitches or drop-offs that may be hidden under fresh snow. The best routes may be those with which you have familiarized yourself in the less formidable seasons. As with any shoulder season outdoor endeavor, be aware of the weather forecast, especially regarding snowfall, temperature, approaching storms, and wind chill, all of which may be indicators of enjoyability and risk.  

Respecting Early Spring Weather 

Bluebird days can be deceptive. Crisp air and brilliant sunshine may lull you into a false sense of security, but remember, late winter and spring weather in the mountains can shift swiftly and prove unforgiving. Always pack extra layers and dry clothing, even if the forecast looks promising. A sudden change in wind or temperature can turn a pleasant outing into a survival situation. Hypothermia is a real threat, especially when combined with the dehydrating effects of a hot spring soak. 

While hot springs offer relaxation and rejuvenation, they are also natural environments with inherent risks. Always be aware of your surroundings, and respect the power and preeminence of nature. Carry a first-aid kit and know how to use it. Let someone know your plans and expected return time. Most importantly, use common sense. If a situation feels unsafe, don’t hesitate to turn back. Mountains and their medicinal hot water will be there another day. 

Take the time to appreciate the beauty of the serene landscape. The quiet solitude of the forest, accented only by the crunch of snow or grind of trail beneath your feet, the crisp, clean air—these are all part of the magic of a shoulder season hot spring adventure. Keep an eye out for wildlife. You are likely to be serenaded by songbirds, and you might spot deer, elk, coyotes, or even a snowshoe hare. 

Classic NW Soaks 

Umpqua Hot Springs, Oregon: Nestled in the Umpqua National Forest, these springs offer a classic hot spring experience. The moderate 4-mile roundtrip hike is generally manageable for snowshoers with some experience. The trail winds through a beautiful forest, and the reward is a series of cascading pools of varying temperatures. Be aware that Umpqua can get crowded, especially on weekends, so arrive early to secure a spot. The Forest Service maintains the trail, but it’s always wise to check the website for current conditions and any closures. 

Breitenbush Hot Springs, Oregon: This clothing-optional retreat requires reservations and offers a rustic, communal experience. Access in winter or early spring typically involves a snowshoe hike of varying length depending on the snowpack and chosen route. The soaking pools are nestled in a beautiful forest setting, and the lack of clothing (if you choose) adds a certain liberating element to the experience. Be sure to check their website for reservation availability and access information. 

Goldbug Hot Springs, Idaho: This one is for the more audacious snowshoer or hiker. The trek to Goldbug is longer than some and can be more challenging, especially in deep snow. To those willing to put in extra effort, the reward is commensurate. These natural hot springs are perched on a hillside overlooking the Salmon River, offering breathtaking views. Multiple pools are tiered down the hillside, each with its own unique temperature and character, affording unusual privacy in this popular soaking spot. Be prepared for a strenuous hike and potentially icy conditions, so traction cleats should be packed with or without snowshoes. 

Scenic Hot Springs, Washington: As the name suggests, this soak offers stunning views and a truly tranquil experience. Access is via a private trail, and reservations are absolutely essential. The hike is relatively short, but can be steep in places. The hot springs themselves are nestled in a secluded grotto, creating a magical and intimate atmosphere. Because of the limited reservation-only access, Scenic Hot Springs offers a less crowded experience than some of the more popular options. Space is limited to 12 soakers and can be booked months in advance. It’s well worth any wait! 

Baker Hot Springs, Washington: For those seeking a shorter and less strenuous adventure, Baker Hot Springs is a great option. The hike to the springs is relatively short and easy, making it suitable for families and those new to snowshoeing. The springs themselves are rustic and undeveloped, offering a more natural and primitive experience. Be aware that this area can be popular with backcountry skiers, so be mindful of their presence and yield accordingly. 

Clear Creek Hot Springs, Oregon: Located near the town of Estacada, Clear Creek Hot Springs is another relatively easy-to-access option. The hike is short and the terrain is gentle, making it a good choice for beginners. The springs are located along the Clackamas River, offering a picturesque setting. Be sure to check with the Forest Service regarding access and any potential closures. 

Embrace winter, strap on your boots or snowshoes, and embark on a steamy journey to one of the Pacific Northwest’s amazing natural hot springs. There is no more perfect time than the often-inclement spring months to experience the soothing warmth of a natural hot spring with a perfect blend of adventure and tranquility. Your body will thank you for getting off the couch, no matter how good the book.  

Justin Skay tends toward mild reclusiveness and hot beverages in the snowy months, but can be found atop two wheels on his beloved fatbike Deebo when the snow is just right. 

The post Usher in Spring with a Soak in a Classic Northwest Hot Spring  appeared first on Out There Venture.

Humble number three on the periodic table, lithium is a metal with low ionization energy, high electrochemical potential, and low atomic mass, making it Earth’s best commercially viable medium for lightweight battery applications in electric vehicles, e-bikes, and devices like smartphones. 

Extraction of lithium is a water-intensive process, undertaken largely in arid areas of countries in some cases having lax environmental and labor standards. Together China, Latin America, and Australia produce more than 90% of the world’s lithium.  

But the U.S. won’t be passed on this climb, and the Department of Energy considers securing domestic lithium production a national security imperative. They, General Motors, and other investors have put up three billion dollars toward development of the largest lithium deposit in North America at Thacker Pass in Nevada.  

According to Protectthackerpass.org, a group opposed to lithium mining that has already begun in the area, the site of the proposed mine is sacred to Paiute, Shoshone, and several other First Nations, who conduct traditional ceremonies, honor massacre victims, and in the past gathered obsidian for toolmaking in the area. Ore processing equipment will draw four million gallons of water every day from an overtaxed aquifer in the driest state in the country. Mining machinery will burn 11,000 gallons of diesel fuel daily, contributing significantly to carbon dioxide and fine particulate emissions. Several threatened species, including golden eagles and cutthroat trout, currently call the Thacker Pass area home.  

However, carbon emissions from the mine are expected to be around 40% less than equivalent endeavors, when processing is accounted for, according to a fact sheet from Lithium Americas, owner of the mine. An onsite sulfuric acid plant will generate carbon-free steam to make electricity for processing equipment. The mine will support 500 living wage jobs and pay approximately $8 billion in taxes during its 40-year lifetime. Lithium Americas is building a K-8 school in nearby Orovada, and will offer training and focus hiring efforts locally. 

The mine is expected to produce enough lithium carbonate to supply portable power to millions of electric vehicles or e-bikes, or billions of cell phones or tablets. It will contribute significantly to domestic battery production, which is neck-and-neck with demand, according to the Environmental Defense Fund, with 90% of the projected 1,000 gigawatt hours per year by 2030 allocated to electric vehicles. But some of the other 10% will power the million-plus e-bikes that will be sold in the U.S. this year.  

Clearly not an impact-free panacea, lithium-powered e-bikes will replace millions of car trips. They’ll pick up goatmilk from the natural market and your kids from school. They’ll save untold tailpipe carbon emissions, and replace sloggy car commutes with a fun frolic down the bike lane.  

And, in five years, maybe seven if you treat it right, your battery will be more boat anchor than boon. The e-bike boom is on, lithium is hot like uranium in the ‘50s, and we are going to see a similar waste problem, in scale if not radioactivity, if we don’t figure out scalable battery recycling soon. Global annual recycling capacity is sufficient to process only about half of electric passenger vehicle batteries, let alone those from e-bikes, laptops, and smartphones. 

One Ontario-based company is working to solve this impending e-waste wave. Li-Cycle uses a system capable of shredding intact, fully charged batteries, and with further processing claims a 95% recovery rate on marketable resources, with minimal air and other pollution. The Department of Energy recently loaned Li-Cycle $375 million to build a recycling facility in Rochester, New York. They also offer $192 million in grants for research and development of new battery recycling technologies.

The post The Lithium Lifecycle  appeared first on Out There Venture.

One summer day soon, you or me’ll be grinding up Beacon or Iller Creek, or maybe slipping up the pea gravel on Five Minute Hill or Trail 140, moondust pooling in streaks of sweat from overwrought body parts raw with the sandpaper sting of third-degree chafe. Over the dusty rasp of labored inhalations will come the sunny chirp of a fellow rider interrupting his offkey rendition of “Bicycle Race” to yodel “On your left!” Absent audible groaning, grunting, or popping of knees, but maybe a soft button click, with the white-noise whir of an electric motor he’ll glide by mid-verse. He may be wearing boat shoes. 

Cycling changes society. Women gained more independence from the invention of the bicycle than anything, to paraphrase Susan B. Anthony. Riding a “wheel” meant they could escape the stuffy confines of homebound man-dependence; cycling required even women riders wear pants, much to the ire of stodgy proponents of convention, men who deemed bloomers an effrontery to Victorian cultural norms. Adaptation continues rife with growing pains, in part because the pants have shrunk. 

From bloomers to Spandex, penny-farthings to carbon fiber, the cycling industry is fickle as a feather in the wind, though recent bouts of déjà vu evoke its cyclic nature. The first patent for an electric bicycle was approved in the U.S. in 1895. Batteries were cumbersome, charging nowhere, and the car, backed by Big Oil, rose handily to dominance. Forced into the backseat, electrically assisted cycles never completely disappeared, and are currently enjoying a comeback, with U.S. sales up about 270% since 2019, topping one million last year, largely due to improvements in battery technology.  

The E-Bike Boom 

Who’s buying all these bikes? According to Cycling Industry News, the vast majority are sold to those 45 and older. These are people who want to commute to work without getting too sweaty, or run errands in a more environmentally conscious way than a singly occupied car. Or they’re retired and want a fun way to get to town without packing up their RV. A husband who couldn’t keep up with his wife before buying an e-bike. A war-wounded veteran with chronic back pain. Anyone, really, who wants to ride farther, keep up with friends, or see more trails.  

Avid pedaller and peddler of e-bikes himself, Scott Willegalle, co-owner of Spokane’s North Division Bicycle Shop, says during his 38 years in the cycling industry he’s watched lower gear ratios expand access to more riders who ride more miles. But you can only spin so fast before you fall over. 

“The e-bike is the new low gear. It’s easier to climb hills. You’re going to increase your distance by a third. The amount of riding you can do volume-wise on an e-bike means you will be less fatigued than riding the same distance on a regular bike,” Willegalle touts.  

E-bike Backlash 

Speed differential while sharing trails has also stirred contention among conventional cyclists. In part, that’s because they tend to be purists by nature and nurture competitiveness. That guy in the boat shoes is riding more miles than me.  

Willegalle responds: “People who don’t have e-bikes are just jealous,” he says, while acknowledging that some people can’t afford them. “The whole thing about people being pissy about e-bikes is that they don’t have one.” 

While no doubt true for some, lack of clarity or outright flouting of rules foments indignation as well. For their part, administrators of public lands where e-bike use is permitted should provide ample clear signage, educate the riding public in posts and through outreach events, and enforce rules more strictly on public lands. Riders should know where their class of bike is allowed, and adhere to speed and use prioritization.  

Know Where You Can Ride Different Types of E-bikes 

Class 1 e-bikes are strictly pedal-assisted up to 20 mph. Class 2 e-bikes have an optional throttle-only mode, and are also restricted to 20 mph. Class 3 e-bikes utilize pedal assistance up to 28 mph, and may have throttle assistance (without pedaling) up to 20 mph. Around the Inland Northwest, there are a lot of different rules and levels of enforcement depending on where you plan to ride an e-bike. 

Currently, according to Washington State Parks, class 1 and 3 e-bikes are allowed on long-distance trails like the Columbia Plateau and Palouse to Cascades trails, as well as the Centennial Trail in Spokane. Those same classes are also allowed on roads within state parks, and on natural surface trails that allow bicycle use like the trail systems at Riverside State Park and Mount Spokane. Class 2 bikes are not permitted on trails in those state parks but are allowed on the same roads that cars can drive on.  

On Spokane Parks and Recreation trails popular with mountain bikers, such as Beacon Hill’s 50-ish miles of singletrack and trails on the High Drive Bluff and at Indian Canyon/Palisades, the situation is less clear. According to city staff, e-bike use is similar to that seen on Washington State Parks trails, although there are currently no rules regarding the use of e-bikes on city park lands. Clarifying e-bike policy for city park trails and properties, however, is reportedly in the works. 

 Spokane County conservation areas that sport popular hiking and singletrack bike trails, such as Iller Creek and Liberty Lake Regional Park, may also soon see clearer rules regarding e-bike use. While e-bikes of any kind are not currently allowed on any non-motorized Spokane County trails, the county is looking at that policy and planning is forthcoming that may make some clarifications and adjustments to existing e-bike rules. 

With the varying e-bike rules and lack of signage and enforcement on many Spokane-area trails, local trail users report widespread pedal-assist e-bike use that seems to create little to no conflict with their “acoustic” bike counterparts. Throttle e-bikes, which are effectively electric motorcycles that can speed up and down trails at high speeds without requiring pedaling, are also on the rise, and pose more of a threat of increased user conflict, injuries and liability concerns.  

Across the border on Idaho State Parks trails popular with mountain bikers, like those at Farragut State Park and pathways frequented by cyclists and walkers like the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes and North Idaho Centennial Trail, class 1 and 2 e-bikes are allowed, although speed limits are in effect on some trails. E-bike rules may vary a bit on some of the trails around Sandpoint, like the Syringa trail system, that have a dual conservation and recreation purpose, so do your research before heading out on an e-bike spin. 

On U.S. Forest Service non-motorized trails in Washington and Idaho, e-bikes of any kind are not currently allowed, although they can be ridden on any trails or roads open to motorized travel, and enforcement of restrictions are scant. E-bikes are allowed on many federal BLM lands and trails as well as on many bike-friendly National Park pathways, but check before riding. 

E-bikes Are Here to Stay  

Even as regulations change, there is no doubt the e-bike will remain an outdoor recreation fixture for the foreseeable future. “They’ve opened the Pandora’s box of e-bikes, and you aren’t going to close it,” Willegalle rightly predicts with the self-satisfied smirk of the true believer. If you want to ride more miles, keep up with your friends, and “fear no hills or headwinds,” he can make you one too. 

Justin Skay recently found out firsthand e-bikes are fun, and already has friends he can’t keep up with, so his electric revolution might be just around the next bend. 

The post Pedal Power Plus: Navigating the E-Bike Revolution  appeared first on Out There Venture.

This past winter, I had the opportunity to bring a bit of Biolite’s energy on a fishing and camping trip to Baja California, Mexico. The sleek and high-functioning BaseCharge 1500 became my daily companion in the customized canopy living space on the back of my 2004 Toyota Tacoma as it charged my fridge and other electronic devices. Weighing less than several competing charging stations, it also packs more outputs than most into a compact and manageable container, with grippy inset handles covering whisper-quiet cooling fans. This configuration reduces dust intake compared to horizontally-mounted fans, a crucial feature on the dusty backroads of Baja.

The BaseCharge’s light weight belies a tough exterior, though I opted to mount mine to a wooden frame with rubber feet and then strap it down to limit bouncing on the rutted and rocky roads I would encounter while looking for fish and remote free camping in the less-visited reaches of Baja. Even in the far corner of the truck bed, the display was clear and easy to read, providing watts in and out, charge percentage, hours to empty, and other vital information.

Drawing from the 120-watt folding solar panel I brought along, I primarily used it to power a 12V DC refrigerator that used about 45 watts on startup and 35 or fewer while running. The BaseCharge 1500 (with a 1521 watt-hour, lithium-ion battery) can accommodate up to 400 watts of solar input and 1,200 watts of continuous output, so it had no problem keeping up with my daily power needs. Even through the occasional cloudy day or two, I was able to simultaneously charge headlamps, other battery packs, portable lights, a laptop, GPS units, and my phone wirelessly on the top surface as well.

After a fruitful day on the water, we needed libations to wash down our nightly intake of fresh fish tacos. One of our thirsty crew wanted to make an e-bike beer run but was out of juice. He only had an AC adaptor, and I had the solution. In under an hour, the BaseCharge 1500 brought his bike back to life, and we toasted another self-sufficient night under the bright stars of Baja. MSRP: $1,699. Bioliteenergy.com

Justin Skay

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Like your grandma insisting on using her checkbook at the grocery store, waiting to start filling out the check until she’s heard the total, riders who have been devoted to conventional bicycles for decades may be most resistant to electrical assistance, seeing e-bikes as the devil’s debit card. The obvious gripe is that e-cyclists are lazy, and that, if they are able, they should exclusively apply human power to achieve transportation and fitness goals. Superficially, this stance can be held for about a long red light. 

There are enough easy exceptions to this notion to undermine it, like sand under 23c tires. If you have the type of job where not being red-faced and sweaty seems important, but you don’t want to pay for parking downtown, or if you are riding instead of driving a car because added torque makes you feel strong enough to haul your groceries home, then an e-bike makes financial, fitness, and environmental sense. 

Clearly no one would begrudge a baby boomer a little extra lift to his favorite birdwatching spot, or a disabled veteran a mountain bike that allowed her to ride with friends. One e-bike convert shared a story of riding up Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park with his mom. She hadn’t been on a bike in decades, but, riding an e-bike, was able to enjoy a scenic experience with her son, and an important human connection was made with a battery. And that battery, like most e-bike batteries, was made with lithium. 

More than half of Earth’s supply of this newly precious metal that makes today’s e-bikes possible is found in the “lithium triangle” of Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina. In one of the most arid deserts on Earth, water is diverted from quinoa farming to extract lithium out of brine pumped from the otherworldly salt flats. Half a million gallons of water are needed to make one ton of lithium carbonate, the “white gold” used in everything from your cell phone and laptop to electric cars. Global annual demand is projected to top 450,000 tons by 2025. 

Currently, less than 5 percent of lithium-ion batteries are recycled worldwide, according to a recent Chemical and Engineering News article. The remainder ends up in landfills, where it leaks heavy metals into soil and groundwater, or in junk drawers awaiting incineration. Untallied environmental costs currently make lithium five times more expensive to recover from old batteries than to extract from the earth. 

Fortunately, there is hope for greener e-bike batteries on the horizon. The Department of Energy recently opened a facility in Illinois committed to researching more efficient battery recycling techniques. A similar private venture is underway in Bend, Oregon, and Ontario, Canada, boasts one of the most efficient lithium recycling facilities in the world, claiming 80-100% recovery of valuable battery materials. Improvements in battery weight, range, cost, and recyclability will ensure their market share continues to overtake conventional bikes. 

Recent laws, like Washington’s SB6434, which defines three classes of electrically assisted bicycles and codifies their use on improved trails in the state, have helped establish e-bikes as a viable transportation alternative for those who cannot or do not want to provide the sole power for their trip. The perception of increased safety while sharing roadways, owing to their improved ability to keep up with the flow of traffic, means e-bikes will bring hesitant riders to the roads. This may result in more awareness of all bicycles, more bikes and fewer cars on the road, and safer rides for all of us.

The post To E or Not to E: The Ethics of E-bikes appeared first on Out There Venture.

“This is quite possibly the most versatile series of bikes that ever existed,” touts Mojo Cyclery owner Morgan Johnson. “There are no holdbacks or drawbacks . . ..” 

“You can actually own just one bike,” agrees a shop regular overhearing our conversation on the explosive growth in gravel bike sales.

The Mojo shop is notably community centered and enthusiasts gather for themed rides throughout the week. On a still-hot summer evening, 18 local gravel converts—all but two of us on light, fast, wide-tired dirt road speedsters—left from the Mojo Cyclery shop in Spokane Valley, rode trails up Beacon Hill, then flew down its paved, winding backside. We wound back along the Spokane river on Hobo Lane, a segment of well-worn urban trail connecting some of the 50+ miles of gravel road in the city limits, most of them on the east side. 

Spokane County encompasses around 1,000 miles of gravel or seasonal-use roads, according to their website. With abundant connectivity to the city-wide spiderweb of singletrack trails, this may be the perfect place to test the flexibility of these new hybrid cycles, composites of road, cyclocross, touring, and mountain bikes. 

Gravel bikes incorporate a long wheelbase and low bottom bracket for stability with wider chainstays and forks for voluminous tires. Many braze-on options accommodate the plethora of racks, attachments, and bags built for the burgeoning bike-packing industry, whose meteoric rise mirrors that of gravel riding. The bike’s geometry facilitates a more-upright-than-road riding position, as scenery supersedes speed in riders’ priorities, allowing them to withstand long miles of chunky washboards in relative comfort. If that all sounds a bit like your touring bike, it is—on a diet that would be disconcerting if the bike was human.

While e-bikes comprise an ever-increasing share of annual bicycle sales, an accompanying surge in gravel bikes has kept their purely people-powered counterparts competitive. Nationwide, gravel-ready bike sales nearly tripled between 2017 and 2018, according to Bicycle Retailer. Locally, Mojo is smartly riding this wave.

 “We see our groups growing and growing. We see them becoming more diverse, which I love. It’s neat to see the people that are like, ‘I want to try it out,’ and come back with a smile on their face,” Johnson beams. At the end of almost 20 miles of multi-surface summer fun, beer in hand, there was certainly one on mine. 

“ . . . I enjoy it because it gets me off paved roads,” says Justin Montgomery from the Coeur D’Alene Trek Store. “We have some amazing paved roads around here, but we also have the Coeur d’Alene National Forest in our backyard, with endless Forest Service roads, so having something I can do both with just makes more financial and comfort sense.”

During a second organized gravel ride called Ride the Passes, on back roads from Wallace over Lookout and Moon passes, lugging my leaden touring bike through the billowing dust clouds of dedicated gravel grinders, I was in total agreement. You may be able to ride many kinds of bikes on gravel, but you won’t be able to ride many miles comfortably or quickly. If you want to keep up with the growing gravel industry and its long-ride frontrunners, or to follow fellow cyclists off of busy, dangerous pavement into more scenic, serene surroundings, you’ll need the machine this very magazine called “one ride to rule them all.” 

[Feature photo by Justin Skay.]

Related: Gravel Riding in West-Central Idaho, Snow-Free Winter Riding in Central Washington

The post Gravel Bikes Gain Traction appeared first on Out There Venture.

“I would rather talk to people and make sure they get what they need,” he explains. As a satisfied customer with lighter, faster new wheels on my fat bike, I was impressed with his diligent, personalized, and technical approach to wheel building. On a recommendation from a friend, with only a vague notion of what I wanted, I called Larsen with more questions than requests, and learned a lot.

Our bikes are made of math. Whatever the frame or component material, behind every dimension we can readily comprehend are a dozen formulas refined a hundred times since the first pedals were turned, and ten more dimensions with their calculations we may never need to know. Add this hulking data to the constant changes, proprietary parts, and new materials endlessly churning out of worldwide R&D, and the equation gets quickly out of hand. Thankfully, there remain experts like Larsen, who know my bike (and my weight) and understand my desire to adapt a bike to a wider range of conditions instead of buying another.   

Following a circuitous trail with as many switchbacks as the most rollicking singletrack, Larsen states he “started as a runner and swimmer, that got me into triathlons, then I started hanging out in bike shops, which was the beginning of the end of my triathlon career, because I liked the bike better.” 

He has since raced BMX, cyclocross, in more triathlons and on mountain trails and gravel roads. He doesn’t race as much these days, but he still rides “tons of miles,” and runs most errands with a bike trailer. He has built bicycle wheels in independent bike shops and at large distributors with hundred-hub orders. 

While my project is far from unique, at the outset I didn’t feel like I knew enough to find a set of stock wheels that would work. Having only a marginal understanding of the dimensions critical to building wheels, I saw no other way than enlisting the expertise of a true technician. That he singlehandedly operates his local business, Mathew Larsen Wheelbuilding, and that he is committed to educating his customers, made the experience that much more rewarding. Prior to acquiring Larsen’s number from fellow Out There contributor and cycling fanatic Justin Short, I had been idly shopping for a used mountain bike with the n+1equation in mind; nis the number of bikes you already own, and the formula represents the number you need—until I realized that I have a mountain bike already. 

A fat bike is essentially a mountain bike with a wider fork and chainstays to accommodate their meaty tires—a potentially very heavy but incredibly grippy mountain bike. I opted to give up a bit of that grip, shed some serious rotating weight, and add front suspension to help keep the plus-size knobbies hooked up. For a fraction of the cost of a decent used carbon fiber bike, I now have a very capable off-road, all-season ride. It is still relatively heavy, but considerably nimbler than its clown-shoed winter iteration. 

Converting a fat bike into a mountain machine to accommodate a rider’s changing style (or their desire for it) is a little like adapting a small business with skinny margins to shifting market conditions. Larsen is no stranger to either of these endeavors. He considers the size of his company an asset in an ever-changing industry.                 

“Big wheel companies can’t adapt to new stuff that fast,” Larsen contends. So, when one company starts producing bikes with new hub spacing, and “you want to upgrade the wheelset on your new bike, you’re coming to me to get something made.” 

Because he mostly works with individual riders, one wheelset at a time, Larsen can offer a level of personalization not available in a few clicks leading to a shopping cart. No number of answered questions on Amazon will ever encapsulate the experience and knowledge he brings to his customers. 

Like the bike industry itself, the way we buy things changes almost daily. But cyclists can still enjoy the option of shopping locally, and engaging personally with experts like Matt Larsen is just one of the many rewards. Asked about the ability of his business to weather constant change in the retail and bike industries, he coolly offers, “I’m just riding the wave man.”

The post Rolling with Change on Sweet New Wheels from Mathew Larson Wheelbuilding appeared first on Out There Venture.

“May is the perfect month for biking,” touts Sally Phillips, organizer of Bike Everywhere Month events, longtime bike commuter, and treasurer of the Spokane Bicycle Club. With obvious goals of increasing ridership and reducing air pollution, Phillips also wants to help people “think of the bike as not just a way to recreate with your friends, but also as a transportation tool.”

Phillips and past organizers were initially inspired by the League of American Bicyclists, a bicycle advocacy organization formed in 1880, which deemed May National Bike Month in 1956. Spokane started celebrating eight years ago with Bike to Work Week events, but Phillips and others felt this format was insufficiently inclusive, and she spearheaded a monthlong observance that would accommodate non-commuting cyclists.

  “We’re trying to catch the people who can’t make it downtown for big events,” Phillips explains. To accomplish this, she is coordinating “some short rides around town that focus on some of the amenities the city has developed.” Rides will be led by Spokane Bicycle Club members and take you to attractions readily accessible on two wheels. These “How to get there” rides may take you to the Ben Burr Trail, along Latah Creek, meandering through Peaceful Valley, or to see bike trails currently being developed. A tour of local wetlands is slated for the 19th, and a Mother’s Day ride will depart at 2 p.m. from Comstock Park’s south end and showcase South Hill parks, complete with tea and cookies, and little ones can join a Kidical Mass ride leaving Chief Garry Park at 1 p.m. on May 11.

To help riders of all ages overcome some of the perceived obstacles to bike commuting, like fear of mechanical failure or inability to find safe routes, REI will offer a flat-fixing clinic on the 9th following a scenic Centennial Trail ride beginning at 5:30 p.m. at Olmstead Green Park. A secure bike corral will be provided for Bloomsday runners in the vicinity of the Riverside Park clock tower from 7:30 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Kara Odegard, recipient of a grant from Denmark’s Scan Design, is leading several presentations on incorporating Danish innovations in cycling infrastructure improvements. Dubbed Spokane in Motion, these include a presentation geared towards college students on the 16th at 3 p.m., a public presentation for anyone with an interest in cycling at 5:30, and on May 17, a charette will convene stakeholders with an interest in infrastructure improvements to provide repeatable pilot design ideas to the city.

The entire month of May is replete with citywide cycling options, but a focus on Bike to Work Week means occasions to celebrate the beauty of biking accelerate between the 13th through the 17th. A kick-off pancake breakfast will be held on the 13th from 7-9 a.m. at the ice-skating rink plaza in Riverfront Park. Energizer stations with coffee and snacks sponsored by local merchants, non-profits, and cycling clubs will grace the more popular commuting routes on the 14th. A Ride of Silence to remember local victims of vehicle collisions will be held on the 15th. The cycling-centric week culminates on Bike to Work Day, May 17, with a pizza party at a TBD location. Visit the Spokane Bicycle Club website for schedule updates.

Engrossed as you will be in two-wheeled, people-powered fun, don’t forget to track your accomplishments on Love to Ride, a website that sponsors individual and team competitions. Prizes include a trip to New Zealand and high-quality touring and commuting gear. Register for the May Bike Month Challenge through the Spokane Bicycle Club’s website (Spokane Bikes.org/SpokaneBikes).

If you just dust off your wheels for one day in May to squeeze into some spandex or throw on a t-shirt and cut-offs, don’t miss a chance to chat with fellow riding enthusiasts over some tasty pies and pints on National Bike to Work Day. You might find the inspiration to keep riding and extend your perfect Bike Everywhere day or month to the whole summer.

The post The Perfect Month: Spokane’s Bike Everywhere in May appeared first on Out There Venture.

After chatting easily for a mile, we drifted apart without exchanging contacts, realizing we would meet again, no doubt in much the same fashion. What I couldn’t have predicted those five years ago was that I would one day put down some roots here in Spokane and accept the honor and challenge of writing the Out There Everyday Cyclist column while he rolls out on one of those wild bike trips.

Acknowledging that I am unlikely to achieve his robust stature in the Spokane cycling community, or be able to even palely mimic his signature wit, I can only hope some measure of my own passion for all forms of cycling can achieve a similar goal: more butts on more bikes.

There is no shortage of fuel for those passions here in the Inland Northwest. From scenic rolls on the Centennial Trail or winding backroads, to winter night rides on Beacon Hill or the endless trails maintained by singletrack fanatics, there is a ride for every tire size and skill level.

Like the city itself, the cycling community seems accessible and down-to-earth. I have jumped in on group rides knowing no one, and invariably left with at least one new riding buddy. I have been approached on the street, including while delivering this magazine downtown Spokane, by fellow curious cyclists.

With one such easy acquaintance I now call a friend, I traversed a sizeable portion of our extensively trailed city, from Audubon Park to the bar at Luna on the South Hill for Easter brunch, our tires barely touching pavement. You know how when you’re falling for someone, it can be traced back through a series of small, revealing moments? An unexpected smile, an unspoken understanding, an intentional touch. That ride was one of those in my burgeoning affection for Spokane. I cite it often when people wonder why I contentedly call this city home, having travelled through more than a handful of places.

I admit to previously playing the field a bit. Raised in the infinite cornfields of Iowa, I’ve lived at least a year in South Carolina, Louisiana, Japan, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Seattle, Denver, and— for the last five years— I’ve lived in Spokane. I have never felt so at home as I do here. It might be in some small way related to my internal clock, but it is largely that I’ve found a place that’s just the right mix of self-awareness and resolve. I don’t feel a need to be the weirdest, most outspoken, fastest, or a world-saving overachiever here. I only need to be true to my passions, or to be always in search of them, to find fast friends and new trails.

Taking over the reins of this column as Greer heads out on a long cycling adventure, I am thrilled to get the chance to spread awareness of this city’s and region’s unparalleled cycling opportunities, from shore-side picnics to endless mountain tours. I hope to be able to offer just a bit of insight, and to provide some inkling of inspiration for those considering cycling as a viable means of transportation, recreation, and exercise. As I’ve learned, Spokane is the kind of special place where you just might meet a Hank Greer out there, then get to be him.

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